Public hearings on the latest draft of the comprehensive plan update will start next month.

Agnew::Beck, the Anchorage-based consulting firm contracted to help Homer rewrite its comp plan, released the Public Hearing Draft on Wednesday, July 23. The full draft is available online at the project website, homercompplanupdate.com. Hard copies are also available to view or pick up at Homer City Hall or at the Homer Public Library. An interactive Future Land Use Map is also available on the project website.

Previously, project leaders made available a public review draft of the plan, which was available for public comment in February and March. Homer’s Planning Commission reviewed public comments received during that period at a work session in April. After the public review draft was updated to address public comments as discussed during the April work session, the Homer City Council and Planning Commission held a joint work session to review the updated draft.

Next, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the latest draft on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers. According to Agnew::Beck project leader Shelly Wade, the commission will consider a motion to recommend that the city council adopt the public hearing draft and any potential amendments.

If the commission recommends the draft plan for adoption, later this fall council will introduce a comprehensive plan ordinance, which will undergo two public hearings. The council then has the option to adopt the plan or continue deliberations.

All meeting materials will be posted on the City of Homer website two weeks before each hearing. The public is invited to attend any or all of the public hearings, either in person or via Zoom, and provide testimony. Community members may also submit comments directly to the Planning Commission via email, planning@ci.homer.ak.us.