EVANS, Ga. () – Columbia County leaders are looking at ways to build a brighter future.

That was the discussion at the county library Tuesday evening, where leaders launched the “Foundations for the Future” Comprehensive Plan.

The county is required to update the plan every 5 years, and leaders say it’s time to reconvene once again.

“We continue to look at it on a daily basis as a staff. We use this as our benchmark for where we’re going in terms of development and future growth potentials,” said Planning Services Director Scott Sterling.

Stakeholders, business owners and local organizations went from station to station to learn more about the county’s future direction.

They also had the chance to write down what leaders are doing well, and where they see room for improvement. 

“My biggest complaint is the traffic—how terrible the traffic is,” said Renee Hale. “I live 4.9 miles away according to Google Maps, and it took me 24 minutes to get here. That’s just because there’s so much traffic.”

“I think I share the same concern of traffic getting tougher by the day. But, I think that’s growing pains—growth has been concentrated in certain areas. So, I think as it starts to push out more, traffic may start to ease up a little bit,” said Adam Pankow.

District 4 Commissioner Alison Couch says with that growth in the area comes more opportunities to make the county better—and feedback is exactly what they’re looking for.

“I think that the county has a very bright future in the next 5 to 10 years. We’re really looking forward to hearing back from our constituents and citizens on the Vision 2035 Plan, and what they envision for Columbia County,” said Couch.

“Getting the community’s input, being part of this, and having some investment in what the future of Columbia County will look like in the next 5, 10, 15 years. This is their best chance to really help shape the future,” Sterling said.

The county will have more meetings to discuss this plan Wednesday, March 19th, and they’ll come back to do the same towards the end of May.

Here are the times for Wednesday’s meetings:

• Meeting with Business Community (not open to Public) from 7:30 to 9:00 AM at Columbia County Library
• Meeting with Steering Committee (not open to Public) from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at Columbia County Library
• Meeting at Harlem Library (open to Public) from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Meeting at Pollards Corner (open to Public) from 2:00 to 4:00 PM