Pitkin County kicking off public engagement for Comprehensive Plan update

Pitkin County’s Comprehensive Plan update is now available online, and community engagement is being sought as part of the Vision 2050 Project.

Pitkin County is kicking off public engagement in August and September regarding the community planning document, which will set guidelines for future climate action, land preservation, economic balance, and community affordability. The aim of the update is to guide countywide policy direction and provide a decision-making framework for the community’s future and values. 

A draft of the Comprehensive Plan can be found at pitkincounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/34682/Attachment-A-Comp-Plan-Draft-July-2025.

“Gathering broad community feedback is essential to developing Pitkin County’s Comprehensive Plan,” said Kara Silbernagel, deputy county manager, in a press release. “This forward-looking roadmap provides the policy foundation to guide the county through complex and challenging decisions and helps ensure our direction reflects the community’s values and priorities. Now is the time to come together to shape a shared vision for our future.”

All community members — those who live, work, and recreate in Pitkin County — are encouraged to participate in discussions. Throughout the two months, outreach activities will be held where county staff and representatives from the project team will provide an overview of the Comprehensive Plan, gather feedback on policies and goals of the drafted plan, and answer questions about future directions for energy and building codes. 

“Our county is at a crossroads,” the press release states. “The effects of climate change, residential development, and changing demands on our rural resort economy are impacting our quality of life. Our community is grappling with complex challenges around affordability, community housing, transportation, and regional collaboration.” 

In 2023, an appointed 26-member Community Growth Advisory Committee presented their final recommendations report to the BOCC and P&Z advising regulatory changes to reshape land use and development aligned with a desired quality of life — this then laid the foundation for Pitkin County Vision 2050 to “Implement bold climate action while balancing our economy, preserving our rural and wild lands, and supporting an equitable and affordable community.” 

The Comprehensive Plan is the first step in implementing that initiative. This plan also incorporates Caucus Master Plans and other existing community plans, addresses state requirements, and includes public/stakeholder inputs to achieve “the community vision.”

A Comprehensive Plan survey is also available at gis.designworkshop.com/portal/apps/storymaps/collections/d776cd742cad4fec9ef31815077b3e89?item=4.