Creating a long-term framework for Maggie Valley
Maggie Valley is a small-town community in the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. WithersRavenel updated the Town’s Land Use Plan to comply with NCGS 160D requirements. However, they then began a more in-depth planning conversation with staff, residents, and Town leadership. This was to develop a truly Comprehensive Plan.
Comprehensive plan process
WithersRavenel’s team of planners began a complete review of Town demographics and previous planning studies. The team worked with the Town Steering Committee. They also worked with the Planning Board and the Board of Aldermen. Together, they created a Community Vision statement. They used foundational phrases and words submitted through the community survey.
Additionally, an intensive community engagement effort was completed by Town staff with assistance from WithersRavenel’s team. This effort produced materials for community engagement sessions and social media outreach.
Seven goals of the comprehensive plan
From these discussions and a review of the data, seven goals were developed. These would be key for the implementation of their vision. There were a number of unique Maggie Valley planning topics identified and outlined as Planning Considerations. In summary, these formed the narrative of the plan.
Through analysis of environmental features, current land uses, and utility locations, we developed a Future Land Use Plan. Furthermore, WithersRavenel developed a detailed Recommendations Matrix that links each planning consideration to the plan’s goals.
The Town has committed to addressing these short- through long-term actions. The Town will review them every two to five years to ensure Maggie Valley’s vision is achievable in the next decade and beyond.
