Why are we updating the Comprehensive Plan?
Branson is a special place. The community treasures the beauty, family values, strong sense of community and high quality of life that exist here. The community has demonstrated the ability to be good stewards of where they all live.
However, growth and change are inevitable. This is an effort to create an intentional future as opposed to reacting to growth as it presents itself. The City of Branson’s population nearly doubled between 1990 and 2000 from approximately 3,700 residents to 6,000. By 2030 the County population is expected to increase by 29% from today’s population, another 19,570 people, which is an increase of approximately 2,930 residents for the City of Branson. While this growth results in economic and social community benefits, it also puts a strain on City and community services and infrastructure. Additionally, while the national economy has impacted the City, there are also local pressures that need to be considered including the changing tourism demographic, traffic congestion and the quality and availability of housing. The current planning framework is inefficient and inadequate to successfully address these complex issues.
It is important that the City has a framework to accommodate change efficiently and to maximize the benefits and minimize the negative impacts related to growth. Similarly, it is critical that the City protect the quality of life that residents enjoy. This plan will help the City focus financial resources and set priorities for actions.
The good news is that there is an opportunity now to build upon successes and collaboratively plan for our future. Community members participated in the development of Our Ozark Mountain Legacy which articulates values and initiatives for maintaining the vibrant morals the Ozark Mountain community. This plan provides a solid foundation and framework upon which to build a new comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan will reflect the Ozark Mountain Legacy goals.
