FLINT -- The city of Flint is working on its first master plan in half a century, and committee members hope to get a lot of community input.
The Master Plan Steering Committee appointed six advisory groups Tuesday evening to guide recommendations for housing, public safety, economic development, infrastructure, transportation and natural resources. Each of the groups will have community members representing each of the city’s wards.
Flint hasn't had a master plan since the 1960’s, and since then the city has seen a large loss in population. Committee members say the plan needs to address how to draw business to the city and solve some of its most persistent problems.
"We need to see how this plan can be useful about controlling and bringing down crime that's happening within the city,” said Jim Richardson, the committee’s co-chair.
Pamela Hawkins, who also sits on the committee, said the public input has been encouraging.
"It really feels good to see so many people in the committee that want to be involved. It's not something we have to try to find people, people volunteer, they want to be involved, so that's what's been the exciting part of this concept,” Hawkins said.
The Master Plan Steering Committee meets on the first Tuesday of every month. All meetings are open to the public. The master plan is expected to be complete by the end of Summer 2014. You can learn more about the committee and Flint’s master plan at http://steeringflintforward.com/.
