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, but then began a more in-depth planning conversation with staff, residents, and Town leadership to develop a truly Comprehensive Plan.
WithersRavenel’s team of planners began a complete review of Town demographics and previous planning studies. The team collaboratively guided the Town Steering Committee, Planning Board, and Board of Aldermen to develop a Community Vision statement using foundational phrases and words submitted through the community survey. An intensive community engagement effort was completed by Town staff with assistance from WithersRavenel’s team, which produced materials for community engagement sessions and social media outreach.
From these discussions and a review of the data, seven goals were developed that would be key for the implementation of their vision. There were a number of unique Maggie Valley planning topics that were identified and outlined as Planning Considerations; these formed the narrative of the plan.
Through analysis and study of environmental features, existing land uses, and utility location, a Future Land Use Plan was developed. A detailed Recommendations Matrix was developed that relates not only to each planning consideration but to the goals of the plan.
The Town has committed to addressing these short- through long-term actions and revisiting them every two to five years to ensure the vision of Maggie Valley is achievable in the next decade and beyond.
