Perkins County launches comprehensive plan update: Community voice shapes Perkins County’s future

Perkins County is embarking on an important journey to update its Comprehensive Plan, and every resident’s input is crucial to the process. Perkins County has partnered with West Central Nebraska Development District (WCNDD) to guide this comprehensive planning effort, which will shape the direction of Perkins County for the next two decades.

WHAT IS A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN?

A comprehensive plan serves as the official roadmap for future development and growth. Think of it as a GPS for decision-making that helps county officials, businesses, and residents understand where we are headed and how we will get there. The plan addresses critical areas including land use, housing, economic development, transportation, infrastructure, and environmental protection.

“A comprehensive plan isn’t just a document that sits on a shelf,” explains Edward Dunn, Executive Director at WCNDD. “It’s a living guide that influences every major decision the county makes, from zoning requests to infrastructure investments to economic development opportunities.”

WHY UPDATE NOW?

Perkins County’s current comprehensive plan is over a decade old and much has changed since its adoption. Rural communities across Nebraska are facing new challenges and opportunities that were not on the radar years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated remote work trends, renewable energy development has expanded across the region, agricultural practices continue to evolve, and demographic shifts are affecting counties throughout western Nebraska.

“We’re seeing unprecedented changes in rural America,” notes Executive Director Dunn. “Perkins County’s plan needs to reflect current realities and prepare them for future opportunities. This isn’t about changing who Perkins County is – it’s about being strategic in preserving what Perkins County values while adapting to new circumstances.”

THE BENEFITS OF STRATEGIC PLANNING

Communities with updated comprehensive plans consistently outperform those without in several key areas:

Economic Development: A clear plan helps attract businesses and industries by demonstrating that the county is forward-thinking and organized. Companies want to invest in places that have thought through infrastructure needs, workforce development, and long-term sustainability.

Grant Funding: Many state and federal grant programs require or strongly prefer communities with current comprehensive plans. These grants can fund everything from water system improvements to downtown revitalization projects.

Property Values: Strategic planning helps maintain and increase property values by ensuring compatible land uses, protecting natural assets, and guiding quality development.

Infrastructure Efficiency: Rather than reacting to problems, a comprehensive plan helps anticipate and plan for infrastructure needs, saving taxpayer dollars through strategic investments.

County Identity: The planning process helps residents articulate what makes their county special and develop strategies to preserve and enhance those qualities.

WHY YOUR INPUT MATTERS

The most successful comprehensive plans are built from the ground up, incorporating the wisdom and vision of residents who live and work in the county every day. WCNDD brings technical expertise and regional perspective, but local knowledge is irreplaceable.

“We can provide data on demographic trends and economic patterns, but residents know where the roads flood every spring, which areas need better internet service, and what types of businesses would thrive here,” explains Executive Director Dunn. “Professional planning expertise combined with local insights creates plans that actually work.”

The county and WCNDD have developed a comprehensive survey that uses a SWOT analysis framework – examining Perkins Counties Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This strategic approach helps identify what Perkins County should build upon, what needs improvement, what possibilities should be pursued, and what challenges need to be addressed.

LEARNING FROM REGIONAL SUCCESS STORIES

WCNDD has guided comprehensive planning efforts across western Nebraska, and the results speak for themselves. Communities with updated plans have successfully attracted new businesses, secured millions in grant funding, and strategically managed growth while preserving their rural character.

Chase County, for example, used their comprehensive plan to guide strategic infrastructure investments that attracted a major agricultural processing facility, creating dozens of jobs. Dundy County leveraged their plan to secure grants for downtown revitalization that has transformed their main street. These success stories started with citizen input and professional planning guidance – exactly what Perkins County is undertaking now.

THE SURVEY:  YOUR 

OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD

The survey is available both online and in paper format, ensuring every resident can participate regardless of their preferred communication method. The survey takes about 5-10 minutes to complete and covers topics from housing needs to economic development priorities to environmental concerns.

Key areas the survey addresses include:

• County Vision: What does Perkins County look like in 2040?

• Housing: What types of housing are needed for the families and workforce of Perkins County?

• Economic Development: What industries should Perkins County attract or support?

• Infrastructure: Which improvements are most critical?

• Land Use: How does Perkins County balance agricultural preservation with other development needs?

• Quality of Life: What makes Perkins County special, and how can it be enhanced?

The survey is available at https://forms.gle/AEZK6648fokEtJ3D7 or in paper format by request, call (308) 284-6077.

LOOKING AHEAD

The survey is just the first step in a comprehensive planning process that will include public workshops, stakeholder meetings, and multiple opportunities for citizen input. The goal is to adopt a final plan that truly reflects the values and aspirations of Perkins County residents.

“This is Perkins County’s chance to be proactive instead of reactive,” emphasizes Executive Director Dunn. “They can’t control all the changes happening around them, but they can control how they respond to them. A good comprehensive plan gives Perkins County that roadmap.”

A CALL TO ACTION

Every perspective matters in this process. Whether you are a lifelong resident or newcomer, farmer or business owner, young family, or retiree – your voice is essential. The comprehensive plan will influence decisions about Perkins County for the next 20 years. Do not let others make those decisions without your input.

The survey deadline is July 31, 2025. Paper copies are available upon request by calling (308) 284-6077. For questions about the planning process, contact Executive Director Edward Dunn at edunn@west-central-nebraska.com.

Rural Nebraska communities that plan strategically thrive. Those that do not often struggle to keep up with change. Perkins County is choosing to lead its own future – and that future starts with your participation in this vital planning process.

Take the survey. Attend the workshops. Share your vision. Help the elected officials and planning commissioners build a comprehensive plan that preserves what we love about Perkins County while positioning it for success in the decades ahead.

Perkins Counties’ future is in its citizens hands. Help to shape it together.

For more information about the Perkins County Comprehensive Plan Update or to access the survey, visit https://www.west-central-nebraska.com or contact Executive Director Edward Dunn @ edunn@west-central-nebraska.com.  West Central Nebraska Development District can be reached at (308) 284-6077.