STURGIS - The City of Sturgis is beginning an update of its Comprehensive Plan, giving residents an opportunity to help shape the community’s future growth and development.

The city’s last complete Comprehensive Plan was developed in 2010. The update will take a fresh look at community needs and establish a long-range guide for land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure, economic development and other priorities.

The Black Hills Council of Local Governments, which has been contracted to assist city staff and the Planning Commission, will introduce the project at the Planning Commission’s Tuesday, Nov. 3 meeting.

The kickoff presentation will outline the proposed planning process, anticipated schedule, opportunities for public involvement and the responsibilities of those participating. The six-phase process is expected to continue through 2027 and into early 2028.

Community involvement will be an important part of developing a plan that reflects the needs of Sturgis residents and their long-term vision for the city. Details about opportunities to participate will be shared as the process moves forward.

Once adopted, the plan will help guide future zoning decisions, development proposals and capital improvement planning. It will provide a framework for evaluating how individual projects fit into the community’s broader goals.

The Planning Commission also will discuss creating a Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee to assist with groundwork, coordination and preliminary review of plan components.

The proposed advisory committee could include one or two Planning Commission members, a City Council representative, a representative from Sturgis Economic Development and other community stakeholders. City staff will bring a proposed committee structure and appointment process forward for consideration.

The Planning Commission will retain responsibility for reviewing the proposed plan, conducting the required public hearing and making a formal recommendation to the City Council.

The Nov. 3 meeting is intended to introduce the project and gather preliminary feedback. No formal action is anticipated.