Wright County holds public hearing on 2025 comprehensive plan; residents raise turnout and eminent‑domain concerns
February 16, 2026 | Wright County, Iowa
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Wright County opened a public hearing on its draft 2025 comprehensive plan and heard comments about outreach, turnout and a suggested amendment addressing eminent domain.
A member of the public said only about 34 people participated in outreach and suggested the sample skewed toward a single issue (a pipeline), questioning whether the survey and public‑meeting process produced a cross‑section of community input. County staff responded that outreach included public meetings and social media and that the consultant Midas was responsible for compiling survey results.
A resident proposed adding language to the plan (page 32, after 'goals and implementation actions concerning agriculture') clarifying that eminent domain authority follows Iowa statute and does not allow condemnation of agricultural land for private development unless the landowner consents. The speaker cited Iowa law, reading statutory chapter references during the hearing.
Staff noted statutory authority that allows the board to amend the proposed comprehensive plan prior to adoption and referenced the notice and publication requirements (section 331.305 and related code citations provided during the hearing). The board directed staff to have the consultant insert the proposed amendment and scheduled the plan for further consideration at an adoption meeting to be noticed in accordance with statutory requirements.
The board closed the public hearing at the end of the session and agreed the amended draft will be returned to the board for formal adoption at a later meeting.
No final adoption vote occurred at this hearing.
A member of the public said only about 34 people participated in outreach and suggested the sample skewed toward a single issue (a pipeline), questioning whether the survey and public‑meeting process produced a cross‑section of community input. County staff responded that outreach included public meetings and social media and that the consultant Midas was responsible for compiling survey results.
A resident proposed adding language to the plan (page 32, after 'goals and implementation actions concerning agriculture') clarifying that eminent domain authority follows Iowa statute and does not allow condemnation of agricultural land for private development unless the landowner consents. The speaker cited Iowa law, reading statutory chapter references during the hearing.
Staff noted statutory authority that allows the board to amend the proposed comprehensive plan prior to adoption and referenced the notice and publication requirements (section 331.305 and related code citations provided during the hearing). The board directed staff to have the consultant insert the proposed amendment and scheduled the plan for further consideration at an adoption meeting to be noticed in accordance with statutory requirements.
The board closed the public hearing at the end of the session and agreed the amended draft will be returned to the board for formal adoption at a later meeting.
No final adoption vote occurred at this hearing.
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