Decatur County Big Ideas Open House Survey

Decatur County is in the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan. This plan will guide future growth, investment, and preservation initiatives by evaluating current trends, establishing a shared vision and goals, and identifying the strategies and actions needed to achieve that vision.

The draft vision, goals, and strategies, as well as draft future land use map were shared at an in-person open house on April 30th, 2026. This online survey is an additional opportunity to provide feedback on these preliminary recommendations. Your input will play a key role in helping to refine the goals and strategies. The following topics are covered within the comprehensive plan:

• Land Use
• Government and Fiscal Capacity
• Public Facilities and Services
• Placemaking
• Economic Development
• Housing
• Transportation
• Agriculture
• Natural Resources
• Parks and Recreation
• Broadband Access
• Historic and Archaeological Resources

Thank you for taking the time to participate!

A vision statement is an aspiration statement that identifies what the county wants to do or become in the next 10+ years. The DRAFT vision statement is provided below. Let us know what you think.

Decatur County is growing community with a unique blend of opportunities and strong local identity.

Decatur County will BALANCE economic growth with agricultural preservation.
We are dedicated to protecting our agricultural heritage while thoughtfully cultivating a range of economic opportunities for our residents. By focusing development in and around existing communities, the county provides clear and appropriate locations for businesses and industry to thrive.

Decatur County will MAINTAIN agriculture as an integral part of our identity.
We are dedicated to empowering our agricultural enterprises to find success in traditional farming and agritourism while exploring how emerging technologies can support future farming operations.

Decatur County will INVEST in initiatives that sustain our ability to offer high-quality services.
We are dedicated to investing in resilient infrastructure, quality housing, and robust workforce development to attract new residents and employers, maintain population growth, and enhance quality of life.