Campbell County is inviting residents to help shape the next 20 years by providing input on its draft comprehensive plan at two upcoming open houses.
The Campbell County & Municipal Comprehensive Plan update will guide the county’s development over the next 20 years, addressing land use, housing, transportation, economic development and overall quality of life.
The county is hosting two public open houses, scheduled for Sept. 9, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both sessions will be held at the Campbell County Fiscal Court Chambers at 1098 Monmouth St. in Newport.
“These meetings are an important opportunity for residents to help shape the future of Campbell County,” said Director of the Campbell County Planning, Zoning & Building Department Cindy Minter. “Your input ensures this plan reflects the community’s values and priorities.”
The comprehensive plan update covers unincorporated Campbell County as well as the cities of Crestview, Southgate, Silver Grove, Melbourne and Woodlawn. Draft materials include updated goals and objectives that focus on housing, public health and safety, cultural and recreational facilities, economic development, infrastructure, agriculture and land use.
The county has been working on the plan since early 2024. The current plan was developed in 2008, with its goals and objectives updated in 2015. With significant changes happening in the county since 2015 and with changes on the horizon, Campbell County Planning and Zoning Director Cindy Minter told LINK nky last year that it was time to look at the plan.
Guiding principles for the new plan include:
- Protecting property rights
- Fostering community engagement
- Supporting public-private partnerships
- Strengthening education and workforce development
- Providing diverse housing choices
- Enhancing recreational opportunities
- Developing a safe, sustainable transportation system
The county has been working with Michael Baker International on the update, which provides engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management.
Michael Baker Planning Department Manager, Karen Mohammadi, told LINK nky last year that one main aspect of the plan is gathering community input and incorporating those recommendations.
“A big part of that is not just looking at what is going on in the county today and where do we think those trends are heading,” Mohammadi said. “But also, how do people feel about these different elements? How do they feel about housing? How do they feel about transportation?”
Resident participation has been an aspect of the plan creation throughout 2024 and 2025. The first resident visioning sessions for the update took place last summer, but there will be multiple opportunities throughout the first half of 2025 for feedback.
During the visioning session that was held in Southgate last July, most of the conversation centered on preserving the quality of life in southern Campbell. Citizens noted cluster housing, traffic, roads and warehouses as concerns. Transportation and the extension of KY 536, which connects the AA Highway and U.S. 27, were also topics of discussion.
Read more about what was discussed during that session here.
The Campbell County Planning, Zoning & Building Department is encouraging all residents to attend and provide input during this week’s open houses.
For more information and to review draft documents, click here. Draft versions of the first three chapters of the comprehensive plan update can be accessed here.
Those who can not attend an open house may send comments directly to Minter by email at cminter@campbellcountyky.gov.
These discussions will continue throughout October. A second public meeting will be scheduled later in the year to present and review the revised maps.
