As Johnson City enhances its roadmap for future development, the Planning and Development Services Department is calling on residents to have their voices heard during the final input sessions for its Future Land Use Map, part of the overarching Growth Management Plan, as reported on the city's official website.

Two public forums are slotted at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, 1320 W. State of Franklin Road, on December 11, offering a chance for community members to contribute their perspectives and ponder over the proposed zoning changes. The discussions will unfold in two waves, one from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the evening session spanning from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., enabling citizens to join at their convenience, drop in and engage with the city's planners, as deailed by the City of Johnson City, Tennessee.

Since last year, the department has gathered data through a series of public engagements such as advisory committee meetings, stakeholder events, and workshops, the effort has been comprehensive, consulting digital platforms and City Commission work sessions to shape the Future Land Use Map, which delineates the envisioned spatial developments, densities, and regulatory frameworks that will diverge from current realities to guide the city's progress.

Whitney Hodges, a planning consultant involved in the initiative, emphasized the necessity of public participation at this juncture, stating, "We need your input to finalize this guiding document, which will significantly influence Johnson City’s growth," as stated by the City of Johnson City, Tennessee.