The City of Rye is inviting residents to volunteer their time and expertise to support the development of the city’s new comprehensive plan — a critical, long-range planning effort that will help guide Rye’s future growth, development, and quality of life. This will be the first update to Rye’s comprehensive plan in over 40 years.
Resident participation will play a key role in ensuring the plan reflects the priorities and values of the Rye community.
“We are looking for residents who are willing to engage thoughtfully and constructively in this important process,” said Mayor Josh Nathan. “This is an opportunity to help shape the future of Rye in a meaningful way and will be one of the most expansive community engagement efforts in the city’s history.”
Volunteers will be asked to participate in periodic meetings, working sessions, and events over the course of the planning process through a variety of forums and committees. Residents interested in volunteering are encouraged to complete the city’s online interest form.
In the proposal Rye’s City Council accepted in early March, AKRF Planning laid out an 18-month timeline for a finalized plan. During both the visioning phase and the initial recommendation phase, AKRF said it planned to hold seven stakeholder meetings and two community engagement sessions.
The comprehensive plan will serve as a foundational document, shaping decisions related to land use, infrastructure, sustainability, housing, transportation, and community and neighborhood character.
Following the intake of interest forms, prospective volunteers will be provided with a brief survey to help city staff and the professional consultants guiding the process better understand each individual’s areas of interest, whether focused on a specific neighborhood or issue area.
