City comprehensive plans – often called “comp plans” – are tools to help communities plan where to invest money, energy, and resources for the future. They tend to focus more on the physical assets of the city, such as land use and infrastructure.

A comp plan takes a big-picture view, looking at current snapshots and trends to help plan mid-to-long-term goals, aspirations, and strategies for a city.

The Lancaster Comprehensive Plan will give city leaders information and guidance to chart the future direction of city policies and departments in land use, transportation, utility infrastructure, recreation, housing, and capital improvements.

The comp plan is organized by 5 Guiding Principles. These principles encompass one or more Goals — supported by detailed, actionable Objectives and Action Items.