Kootenai County is inviting residents to help shape the future of their community by participating in an online survey supporting the update of the county’s Comprehensive Plan and the development of its first Parks & Waterways Plan.
The survey will go live on Tuesday, April 7, at www.keepingkootenai.com.
The Comprehensive Plan serves as a long-range (20-year) guide for growth and development in the unincorporated areas of the County. Required under the Idaho Local Land Use Planning Act (LLUPA), the plan establishes a shared vision for the future and outlines goals, policies and actions to help achieve that vision. The update process is expected to continue through April 2027.
The Comprehensive Plan includes 17 state-required elements covering topics such as housing, land use, transportation and recreation. Together, these elements ensure that infrastructure, public services and utilities can meet the needs of a growing population while supporting economic development and reducing risks from natural hazards.
The Parks & Waterways Plan will identify current and future recreational needs, prioritize improvements and outline strategies to expand access to parks, trails and open spaces, enhancing quality of life and supporting healthy, active communities.
“These planning efforts represent an important step in proactively preparing for the County’s future,” said Mike Behary, Community Development Director. “They will provide a clear framework for managing growth, guiding infrastructure investments and ensuring that Kootenai County continues to be a great place to live, work and recreate.”
Community participation is a critical component of both planning efforts. The survey, which takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, allows residents to share their priorities and map preferred locations for future recreational improvements. It is the first in a series of engagement opportunities that will include additional surveys and in-person events throughout the planning process.
Residents are encouraged to complete the survey and stay informed about upcoming opportunities by visiting www.keepingkootenai.com and following @KeepingKootenai on Facebook and Instagram.
Keeping Kootenai is an outreach of Kootenai County’s Community Development Department.