Newton County is calling on its residents to bring their voices forward, diving into the world of urban planning by joining a series of community meetings designed to inform the update of its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). This essential document, which governs local land use regulations, is currently under review. To ensure community involvement, the county has launched a public outreach initiative in collaboration with Kendig Keast consultants, who have been working since July.
These meetings are not just scheduled on the government’s calendar—they are a key part of the community's plan for civic improvement and growth. Held at various locations throughout the county, they will cover zoning, subdivision regulations, and design guidelines under the UDO. While each meeting is specific to a district, the call is countywide. All residents are invited to attend at 6 p.m., with the first meeting on September 23 at the Newton County Water Resources Cornish Creek Water Treatment Facility at Lake Varner and the final gathering on October 3 at Eastridge Community Church of Covington, according to the county's announcement.
Here's a rundown of the schedule: District 5 kicks off this series of meetings on September 23; District 4 will follow suit on September 25 at Spring Hill Park; District 2's turn will come up on September 30 at Zion Baptist Church; District 3 is up on October 2 at West Side Precinct; and District 1 will wrap things up on October 3.
The county's message is clear: the UDO isn’t just a distant policy—it’s an evolving framework that needs public input. While Kendig Keast has laid the groundwork, these meetings aim to turn community feedback into actionable plans that will guide Newton County’s growth for years to come. This collaborative effort will turn individual voices into a unified direction for the county’s future.
