Question 1

What is the purpose of this plan?

Accepted Answer

The City of Portland's Comprehensive Plan provides an overall vision for the community, especially as it relates to changes that will impact its current and future residents and businesses. The plan addresses land use, economic opportunity, housing, transportation systems, the environment, historic preservation and more.  Comprehensive plans generally identify goals and objectives and include strategies that can be implemented to achieve those goals. The city's plan includes these elements while providing flexibility to accommodate unforeseen changes or unexpected opportunities.

The following FAQs were shared with the public at the beginning of the process to provide additional information.

Question 2

Why is this plan being done now?

Accepted Answer

Like the rest of Middle Tennessee, Portland is changing rapidly.  Having an up-to-date Comprehensive Plan is critical to help manage ongoing growth while protecting the city's character and quality of life.

Question 3

Whose plan is it and who will use it?

Accepted Answer

The Comprehensive Plan is the guiding document that city departments, agencies, residents, employers, developers, and other stakeholders will use to ensure that the City of Portland evolves in line with the collective vision it creates for itself. For example, the planning and zoning department will use the plan to evaluate new development proposals and locations for new roads, bridges, sidewalks, greenways and bike paths. The Utility District can use the plan to help continue its proactive approach to expanding services while still providing some of the lowest rates in the region. Most importantly, the community can use the plan to hold city leadership responsible for achieving the goals and objectives it includes based on everyone’s input.

Question 4

Have similar plans been used across the region?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It is common for cities and counties across the region to have a plan that directs growth and development and to help prepare for infrastructure investments. These plans are usually updated every 10 to 15 years to account for shifts in market trends, community prefrences, and fiscal realities of public sources of funding.

Question 5

When will the plan be completed and who approves it?

Accepted Answer

The Comprehensive Plan is expected to be completed by Summer of 2025. The City's Planning Commission will have the opportunity to review and formally approve the plan. That approval process will include formal public hearings to gather input prior to approval, but there will be many other opportunities for the public to participate and help shape the plan as it is being developed.

Question 6

What if I don't live in the City of Portland? Can I still participate?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The community includes people that don’t necessarily live within the city boundaries - employees, business owners, landowners and others. If you have an interest in the future of Portland and/or Sumner and Robertson Counties, we want you to be involved in the planning process.

Question 7

What is the role of GNRC in this process?

Accepted Answer

The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is working as a consultant to the City of Portland as it updates its Comprehensive Plan. GNRC is a regional council of governments representing 13 counties in Middle Tennessee and is responsible for bringing together cities and counties, state agencies, and the public to plan for growth and development across the mid-state. GNRC employs professional planners, research analysts, and policy experts who serve at the pleasure of its local communities.

Question 8

How do I participate?

Accepted Answer

The best way to share your ideas is to participate in public meetings and workshops and to visit the project website often. The website will be updated throughout the process, so bookmark this site or create a shortcut and check back for new information. Also, several surveys will be conducted during the process- you can find the survey online. Also, if you think your church group, neighborhood association, homeowner association or other civic group or club would benefit from a presentation, please contact us at and we can make arrangements to visit with your group.

Question 9

How will the city make sure they hear from as many people as possible?

Accepted Answer

The planning team is conducting outreach with assistance from local leaders and organizations that serve the City of Portland. It is our goal to reach as many people as possible and gather feedback to shape the plan as it is being developed. There will be several rounds of public meetings and workshops, family-friendly activities and events, and online tools to help people share their own ideas and their reactions to the ideas that emerge from the process.

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