Riley County
Photo Courtesy of Riley County
Today the Riley County Board of County Commissioners approved the county’s updated Comprehensive Plan, Riley County Together – Comprehensive Plan 2040, following a multi-year planning and public engagement process.
The Comprehensive Plan serves as a long-range policy guide for land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure, and economic development decisions through the year 2040. While the plan does not change zoning or development regulations on its own, it helps guide future policy decisions and updates to county regulations.
The newly adopted plan replaces the county’s previous comprehensive plan and reflects updated data, evolving community needs, and current planning best practices. Notable differences between the previous plan and Riley County Together – Comprehensive Plan 2040 include an updated planning horizon extending through 2040, refreshed goals and policies related to growth and development, infrastructure, public health, outdoor amenities, housing, and rural character, and improved organization to make the plan easier to use as a decision-making resource.
The plan was reviewed through several community engagement events and two public hearings, one before the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board and one before the Riley County Planning Board. Although several people were in attendance, no additional comments were shared and no changes were recommended during either hearing, and the plan advanced to the County Commission as presented.
“This plan represents a shared vision for Riley County’s future,” said Amanda Webb, Planning Director. “It reflects community input and provides a clear framework to guide growth and development while preserving the character of our county.”
A team of 39 volunteers from the community and 11 Riley County employees comprised the Comprehensive Plan Committee who supported the plan’s development. The committee reviewed the plan and provided subject-matter expertise throughout the process. Committee members represented a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives and served on focused sub-committees addressing: Housing, Health, Parks and Recreation, Economic Development, Infrastructure, and Agriculture and Land Use, ensuring the plan reflects both local priorities and practical considerations for the county’s future.
“This plan update would not have been possible without the commitment of the Comprehensive Plan Committee,” said Webb. “Volunteers devoted significant time and expertise to ensure the plan is the right fit for the community.”
For residents, adoption of the Comprehensive Plan means Riley County now has an updated roadmap to guide growth and development over the next 15 years. The plan does not immediately change zoning or land use regulations, but will be used to evaluate future development proposals, infrastructure projects, and policy updates. Residents will continue to have opportunities to provide input as specific projects or regulatory changes are considered in the future.
“The comprehensive plan is a living document and will be reviewed on a yearly basis to ensure it continues to meet the needs and represent the goals of residents,” explained Webb.
The full Riley County Together 2040 Comprehensive Plan and additional information are available at www.rileycountyks.gov/plan
For more information or to provide additional feedback, please contact the Riley County Planning and Development Department at 785-587-6332.
