The Mount Vernon City Council, the Knox County Commission, and the Regional Planning Commission are scheduled to meet jointly on Monday, February 17, to receive a briefing on the draft comprehensive plan from the Together Knox Leadership Group. The meeting will be open to the public.
A notice of the special joint City Council meeting indicates that it will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Station Break, located at 160 Howard St., Mount Vernon.
According to the meeting notice, the Together Knox comprehensive plan aims to shape the future of Knox County by incorporating residents' ideas and voices. A comprehensive plan serves as a broad public policy document that guides decision-making for development, conservation, services, and amenities. This plan will update the 2018 version and is based on community participation and rigorous technical analysis. One chapter focuses specifically on the City of Mount Vernon.
The meeting notice states that feedback collected during this special joint meeting will play a crucial role in finalizing the plan, ensuring it reflects community needs and aspirations. Residents can find more information and provide input at TogetherKnox.org.
According to a report by Mount Vernon News, Knox County Commissioners have set in motion the process to finalize the 2025 Knox County Comprehensive Plan. The draft defines its purpose as balancing "decisions regarding growth and development [with] a robust economy, providing homes for current and future generations, and protecting the county's agricultural heritage and natural landscapes."
The report also notes that approval of the plan is expected in March. The Regional Planning Commission, City of Mount Vernon, and Knox County Commission must approve it. Approval by Knox County townships is not required; however, they may endorse the 2025 plan after its adoption. Many townships are represented on the Regional Planning Commission.
