The Hancock County Comprehensive Plan

How the Process Works

Comprehensive plans go through a three-step process:

1. The Advisory Committee - An advisory committee was formed in October 2006, comprised of citizens selected by the Board of Supervisors.  The Hancock committee met with planners contracted by the county (Gulf Regional Planning Commission and Mike Lauer of Planning Works and Sue Chamberlain of Slaughter and Associates) over a nine-month period to write a draft. Committee work involved research, close consideration of issues, writing comments and intensive discussion. Two public meetings were also hosted to gain input.  The result of the work is the draft version of the plan.

2. The Public - The draft was submitted to the Board of Supervisors, beginning the process of public participation. There will be a formal public hearing as required by law and the planners are hosting two additional public meetings.  With the help of the Hancock Chamber of Commerce, they are also soliciting additional written public comment in an effort to involve as many citizens as possible.

3. The Board of Supervisors - When the public comment period is closed  (the NEW deadline is May 30th), the Supervisors will consider all comments, make amendments, have a final public hearing and then bring it up for a vote. The plan does not become official until the Supervisors vote on the final draft.

Why Your Participation is Important

Although the plan has no actual force of law, it sets county goals and objectives for the next 25 years and is the general basis for zoning changes made in the county. It is the guide that the present supervisors and future elected officials will use to shape the growth of the county. Each aspect of community life will be covered by the plan: Community character, economic development, housing, land use, public facilities (including infrastructure) and transportation.

Every comment, idea and suggestion from the public has value. This is your chance to help shape the future of the county. You can make your comments and suggestions by e-mail. The planners have set up an e-mail address specifically for this purpose:

compplan@grpc.com

If you wish to mail in comments, send to:

Jeff Loftus

Gulf Regional Planning Commission

1232 Pass Road

Gulfport, MS.  39501

Copies will be made of all comments received and given to each Supervisor and the planners. Through the local newspaper and Chamber website, the planners will announce future public meetings regarding the plan.

Why it is important to complete the process in a timely and efficient manner

The adoption of the plan will allow the county to move forward to attract new businesses and development. The plan is a tool that can present a clear vision of how citizens want to grow and rebuild, with common priorities. Officials, citizens and new residents and developers will have a solid foundation on which to base decisions.

If you'd like to read a hard copy of the entire plan, copies (to remain in-house) are available at all branches of the Hancock Library system.

This public awareness campaign sponsored by the Hancock Chamber of Commerce