Lancaster County reports progress on strategic plan and awards $12 million in tourism grants

Michelle Kennedy, project manager and lead facilitator from BerryDunn, presented a mid‑cycle update on Lancaster County’s three‑year strategic plan at the July 9 staff meeting.

Kennedy said the report covers objectives scheduled for this progress check. Resiliency improvements to public buildings have been completed and documented. A traffic study carried over from the prior plan is on track for a final report by late 2026. Kennedy said an assessment to expand mental health and infirmary capacity at the jail should be finished by the end of the year, and the county remains involved in broader public safety facility planning.

Under community health objectives, Kennedy reported that ten new community health workers will be placed in clinics by the end of August, and the navigator program construction is complete with staff hired. On economic prosperity, Kennedy said the comprehensive plan update is progressing toward a 2026 completion and permitting improvements remain on schedule.

Kennedy highlighted tourism funding: the county allocated $12 million in tourism grants that have been awarded across 17 applications totaling $13 million in requests. She said the strategic plan’s reporting cycle is intended to provide transparency and allow course correction.

The Board received the update and will review subsequent six‑month reports.