The Effingham 2050 Comprehensive Plan is in final draft, and available for your review. To view the Plan, please go to: Comprehensive Plan ;  Did you experience the Fire Department's Santa Run?  We'd like to have your feedback and ideas on how to improve it!: Santa Run Community Survey.

Effingham 2050 Comprehensive Plan

After more than 18 months of collaboration with participants from many facets and perspectives of our community, the Effingham 2050 Comprehensive Plan is in final draft. City staff, the Mayor, and the City Council are presenting this final draft to the community for review and comment.  If you have questions or comments on the Plan, please contact Greg Koester, City Planner, via email at Greg Koester or 217-342-5300, extension 5348.

Effingham 2050 Comprehensive Plan - Final Draft

Effingham 2050 Comprehensive Plan – Final Draft Effingham 2050 Comprehensive Plan documents Comprehensive Plan

Posted on January 2, 2026
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What is the Comprehensive Plan?

A municipal comprehensive plan is a foundational document that outlines a community's vision, goals, and policies for long-term planning and development. Elected and appointed officials use the document for planning decisions by identifying challenges, providing solutions, and establishing a process for orderly growth. The plan can include a variety of topics, such as:
  • Land use: The desired timing, location, design, and density of future development, redevelopment, or preservation
  • Economic development and housing: Policies to protect land from dangerous development practices and safeguard life and property
  • Water resources: Policies to protect clean water resources, such as water quality rules and flood hazard reduction ordinances
  • Transportation and mobility: Transportation facilities
  • Public works:  Sewer, water, and roads infrastructure development and design
  • Parks, recreation, and open space: Community character and urban design
  • Environmental and fiscal data: Environmental inventories, demographic trends, and housing resources

Mayor Schutzbach and the City Commissioners, along with all segments of City staff, are collaborating with Chastain & Associates, LLC to facilitate the in-depth and approximately 18-month process for developing the City's comprehensive plan. The COMMUNITY IS ESSENTIAL TO THIS PROCESS, INCLUDING YOU, if it is to be successful.

We will post notices of many public meetings on the City's website and Facebook page, at which you'll have an opportunity to share your vision and ideas for the future of Effingham. We are excited to hear what you think! Together, and by building a solid comprehensive plan, we can lay the groundwork for an even better Effingham!

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