Since the Leland 2045 Comprehensive Plan was adopted in November 2021, Town staff have been using it as a tool to guide goals and initiatives across all departments.
The purpose of Leland 2045 is to enable Leland officials and citizens to anticipate and constructively respond to growth and change, and to encourage the development of safe and healthy, built, and natural environments that create opportunities for all. The planning document outlines goals, policies, and implementation strategies that were developed through a robust public engagement process.
Through collaboration with Planning staff, the community, and the Leland 2045 Focus Group, the following six themes were created to represent a vision to collaboratively advance the economy, society, culture, and the environment. The accompanying updates have been pursued in accordance with these themes from November 2023 to January 2024:
Highly Valued and Protected Natural and Cultural Resources
- Partnered with H2GO on a grant application for FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program to relocate an existing sewer pump station out of a flood hazard area adjacent to Sturgeon Creek.
Livable, Diverse, and Connected Neighborhoods that Accommodate Growth
- Construction commenced on Founders Park renovations.
- Amended the Code of Ordinances, improving street design and access requirements for subdivisions.
- The Town has been designated as a Class 7 Community by FEMA's Community Rating System program, allowing homeowners to save 15% off flood insurance premiums beginning in October 2024.
A Resilient and Stable Economy
- Assisted with the coordination of Harrington Square's first pop-up market.
- Three businesses held grand openings.
- Announced and started planning the inaugural Leland Life Science and Medical Technology Summit.
- Marketed the Leland Innovation Park to Cape Fear Commercial Real Estate Women and coordinated showings to spark development interest.
An Inclusive, Supported, Healthy, Safe, and Educated Community
- The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department hosted its annual Holiday Art Market, supporting 38 artists with more than 1,100 attendees.
- Emergency Management hosted an incident command course for managers and supervisors.
- Awarded $29,720 from Firehouse Subs Safety Foundation for a hurst cutter, spreader, ram, and accessories for Leland Fire/Rescue.
Infrastructure that Supports Community Life
- Held a stakeholder meeting for the Leland Resilient Routes Project to identify critical route locations to be designed and modeled for enhanced resilience to coastal hazards.
- Began contract negotiations with consultants for the Safe Streets for All project.
- Advertised proposals for the Integrated Mobility Plan.
An Active Participant in a Cooperative Region
- Leland Fire/Rescue and the Wilmington Fire Department entered into an automatic aid agreement allowing each agency to dispatch to incidents in designated areas.
- The Police Department partnered with the Leland Public Library and several daycares for "Story Time Series with Chief Jeremy".
Quarterly updates to Leland 2045 seek to show how departments Town-wide are incorporating the plan's current and long-range goals. These updates will be shared each quarter with Town Council and on the Town's website and social media platforms.
View the full quarterly update and newsletter.
Learn more about Leland 2045 and view the full plan.
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