What is Hilliard by Design?

    Hilliard by Design is a process to define a long-term vision for Hilliard’s growth and development in the coming decades. The process will create a major update to the City’s comprehensive plan.

    What is a Comprehensive Plan?

    A Comprehensive Plan is a long-term guide that expresses the values and aspirations of a community. It is the broadest public policy document a community can create for its future physical development considering the input of citizens, businesses, and other stakeholders. It includes a vision about the future condition of the City; goals and desired outcomes for topics like land use, housing, economics, parks, and transportation; and specific actions to achieve the goals. The plan is a tool to prepare for change and acts as both a business plan and guidebook for decision-makers. Hilliard’s comprehensive plan is used regularly to guide many city decisions such as budgeting, zoning and other regulations, and infrastructure investment.

    Why does Hilliard need to update the Comprehensive Plan?

    The previous plan was adopted in 2011. Since that time, the community and region have experienced many changes. In general, planning represents good stewardship, and there has never been a better time to consider recent events and trends to develop well-supported policies to create the best possible future for Hilliard.

    What is the timeline for completing the plan?

    The plan update is a significant undertaking that is anticipated to last approximately 14-16 months. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

     

    What is the Committee for Hilliard by Design?

    The Committee for Hilliard by Design is a diverse group of 30 community members appointed by the City to provide guidance and direction regarding the plan process and substance and to serve as stewards of the plan once it is completed. The committee was selected through an open application process that was widely advertised and yielded a large number of talented, passionate, and qualified individuals. The 30 committee members are collectively representative of the many interests, geographic areas, professions, and demographics, of the city’s population.

    Will there be opportunities for others to get involved?

    Yes, there will be three distinct rounds of community input through in-person events and online activities. The first opportunity is being planned for Fall 2021.

    Who is involved?



    Community Committee
    Process leadership

    The Committee is a diverse group of community members that will meet regularly throughout the process provide guidance on the process and substance of the Plan, will serve as community advocates, and may serve as stewards of the completed Plan.



    Stakeholders
    Targeted input

    Various stakeholder groups will convene to inform specific aspects of the plan. These groups include business leaders, neighborhood associations, real estate professionals and developers, education professionals, students, young professionals, and others to be identified.


    Public
    Input and feedback

    Community participation is vital to the plan’s success. Three distinct rounds of engagement opportunities and online tools will offer a variety of different ways for the community to give input throughout the process.



    City Staff
    Coordination

    City staff will support and help coordinate the work of all other groups and provide local knowledge and expertise.



    Elected Officials
    Monitor and adopt

    City Council and Planning Commission will monitor the process through input and periodic briefings with the expectation to formally adopt the final plan. City Council will have a central role in implementation through regulatory updates or funding allocations. Planning Commission will support implementation through the development review process.


    Consultants
    Process leadership, expertise

    Planning NEXT will facilitate the process and share experience from other successful communities. Burgess & Niple, Toole Design, McBride Dale Clarion, and Urban 3 will provide technical expertise.