FAQs

A comprehensive plan is a statement by the community about its vision for the future, as well as a roadmap for how that vision can be achieved.  Additionally, a comprehensive plan acts a a guidebook for land use, development, and policy decisions.

There are many reasons to plan for the future, including the following:

1. A comprehensive plan is required by state statute to allow for zoning: Nebraska Revised Statute 19-901 enable cities to adopt land use zoning to promote the "health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the community" when in conformance with a comprehensive plan.

2. A plan is an opportunity to craft a shared vision for a joint future: A comprehensive plan is a working document that is reviewed annually, updated every five years and replaced approximately every ten years.

3. A plan provides direction on the future of the community and should be consulted when decisions related to the future of the city are considered: The City of Hastings developed this plan but the impact and responsibilities of its implementation fall to a variety of decision-makers across all areas of the community including the city, school districts, the business community, and neighborhood leaders.  The comprehensive plan should be consulted on all decisions that impact the future of Hastings.

4. A plan provides a stable reference point for thoughtful consideration of how the community should react to change: Being thoughtful about the change needed for Hastings to grow at a similar rate as peer communities. By being thoughtful about what Hastings is and wants to become it makes it easier to discern meaningful advancements and worthy investments that are consistent with the city’s vision.

5. A community with a vision for what it wants to become will better understand the implications, opportunities, and challenges presented by emerging trends, preferences, and technologies. The comprehensive plan should provide a reference point for the thoughtful consideration of change. 
   
   
   

Nebraska Revised Statute 19-903 requires a comprehensive plan to contain the following sections:

1. A land-use element
2. The general location, character, and extent of transportation routes and facilities
3. The general location, type, capacity, and area of community facilities
4. An energy element
5. Annexation

The 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update consists of the following sections in order to conform to Nebraska State Statutes:

1. Introduction
2. Community Engagement
3. Population
4. Housing
5. Economic Profile
6. Community Facilities
7. Parks, Recreation, & Attractions
8. Public Health
9. Public Safety
10. Utilities & Energy
11. Hazards
12. Land Use & Development
13. Annexation
14. Transportation
15. Implementation