Since Leland 2045 was adopted in November 2021, Town staff have used it to guide goals and initiatives across all departments.
Leland 2045 is the Town's comprehensive plan, which North Carolina cities and counties that have zoning are required to have to guide land use decisions. Leland 2045 enables Leland officials and residents to anticipate and respond to growth and changes, while encouraging the development of safe and healthy built and natural environments that create opportunities for all. The plan outlines goals, policies, and implementation strategies that were developed through a robust public engagement process.
The Town has refined its approach in assessing the plan’s progress, ensuring that updates are directly linked to the initiatives supported by each action item. The Town will continue to update the Action Playbook within the Plan to accurately reflect progress, tracking initiatives from launch to completion.
Through collaboration with Planning staff, the community, and the Leland 2045 focus group, six themes were developed to represent a shared vision for advancing the economy, community, culture, and the environment. The following action items have been pursued in alignment with plan themes from May to July 2026:
Infrastructure That Supports Community Life
- Completed major infrastructure improvements at the intersection of Ocean Gate Plaza and New Pointe Boulevard.
- Began the West Gate Drive Pedestrian Improvements project to enhance pedestrian safety and traffic flow.
- Completed the Settler’s Village Connector Road project, extending Founders Drive to Woodland Drive.
Inclusive, Supported, Healthy, Safe, and Educated Community
- Completed significant renovations at Founders Park, including the opening of the new amphitheater and splash pad.
Highly Valued and Protected Natural and Cultural Resources
- Town Council adopted a resolution authorizing the construction of a boardwalk and dock at the future Sturgeon Creek Park.
Resilient and Stable Economy
- The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department hosted the first Leland In Bloom Festival, highlighting local vendors, artists, native plants, environmental stewardship, and community life in the Cape Fear Region.
Updates are organized by the theme where they have the greatest impact, though many also support progress in other areas. Taken together, these updates show how Leland 2045 functions as an implementation framework for connecting Town projects, partnerships, capital investments, and operational decisions to long-term community goals.
Quarterly updates will continue to be shared each quarter with Town Council and on the Town's website and social media platforms.
View the full quarterly update.