Comprehensive Plan

What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A comprehensive plan is the most important planning document that a City can adopt.  It not only guides the development of policy, but it also provides insight into the future of a community for potential investors, including residents and business owners. 

In June of 2013, the City of Belleville hired Kendig Keast Collaborative to update its comprehensive plan.  The last comprehensive plan had been completed in 2000, with a 15-20 year outlook.  Because the City had completed many of the goals set forth in that plan, and because of the dramatic economic changes that had taken place nationally over the last five years, it was time for the City to take a fresh look at its goals and objectives and create a new vision for the future of our city.

Cover of Comprehensive Plan

Belleville's new comprehensive plan includes sections dedicated to:

  • Vision, principles and preferences
  • Growth capacity and infrastructure
  • Mobility 
  • Housing and neighborhoods
  • Economic Development
  • Land Use and Character

There is also a section dedicated to plan implementation, which includes an overall strategy for implementing goals and objectives set forth in the plan.  


About the Planning Process
Comprehensive Planning is rooted in public engagement, which was an integral and robust part of the planning process. This means that residents, business owners, and other stakeholders were asked to give feedback on Belleville's strengths, opportunities, and challenges either via small group meetings or via a comprehensive plan website called ImagineBelleville.com.  

Updating the Current Plan

The City of Belleville is expected to begin the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan in 2022 or early 2023.