What is Elevate Porter County?

A Comprehensive Plan is a long-term roadmap that guides how Porter County will grow, change, and invest over time. It begins with a study of current conditions and trends and opens a community-wide conversation about major issues and future needs. The plan helps define a clear land use strategy for areas likely to experience change and provides a framework for more detailed decision-making in the years ahead. It is a tool for guiding development and design and, most importantly, an act of preparation to ensure the county’s future is intentional and aligned with community values.

A Comprehensive Plan is not a zoning code update or parcel-by-parcel master plan, nor is it a departure from the county’s vision or a copy of what other communities are doing. While the plan focuses on unincorporated areas, incorporated towns and cities remain important partners in shaping this shared vision for Porter County’s future.

Porter County is at an important crossroads. As development pressures grow and the needs of residents evolve, now is the time to prepare. A Comprehensive Plan provides the opportunity to preserve what matters—protecting environmental resources, supporting thoughtful growth, and avoiding strain on County services. It enables the County to anticipate and address community needs with intention, rather than reacting to changes as they happen.

The plan also helps identify and prepare for emerging challenges by balancing the needs and wants of today with those of the future residents, businesses, and developers. With increased interest in redevelopment and new investment, this is a chance to reimagine existing spaces and leverage opportunities that support long-term sustainability. Ultimately, the Comprehensive Plan will offer a clear, action-oriented roadmap to guide decisions and shape the future of Porter County—together.

The Comprehensive Plan is being led by the Porter County Planning & Development Department in partnership with a consultant team led by MKSK, a planning and urban design firm with expertise in working with small towns and growing communities. The process is supported by several expert partners: All Together is leading public engagement, Randall Gross / Development Economics is providing economic and market analysis, and DLZ is advising on utilities and transportation. The planning effort is guided by County leadership and shaped by input from residents, local business owners, and key stakeholders across Porter County.

The planning process is centered on community engagement. It will be structured around four phases:

1. Project kickoff and public engagement

2. Research and analysis

3. Visioning, goal setting, and plan development

4. Plan synthesis and finalization

Residents will be invited to participate through pop-up events, community workshops, and online engagement. A Steering Committee will help guide the process and ensure that the final plan reflects the community’s vision and priorities.

This is your chance to shape your community’s future! Your input is critical to ensuring the plan reflects people's wants and needs. What do we need to build upon? Where do we need to improve?

You can share your thoughts through surveys, community workshops and celebrations, pop-up events, and interactive mapping. Visit our Get Involved page to learn more!