Monroe County Executive Adam Bello unveils public review draft for first countywide comprehensive development plan in more than four decades

Monroe County, New York – After more than 40 years without a major update to its long-range development strategy, Monroe County is asking residents to help shape what comes next. County Executive Adam Bello on Wednesday announced the release of the public review draft for “Plan Forward – A Comprehensive Plan for Monroe County,” opening the door for community feedback on a blueprint expected to guide the county for decades ahead.

The newly released draft lays out a countywide vision focused on growth, infrastructure, housing, transportation, economic development, environmental stewardship, and land use planning. Officials say the document is designed to create a unified strategy that reflects the changing needs of Monroe County communities while preparing for future challenges and opportunities.

According to county leaders, the effort represents the first comprehensive planning update undertaken by Monroe County since the early 1980s — a gap that officials say made a modern reassessment increasingly necessary as demographics, development patterns, and infrastructure needs evolved over time.

“Plan Forward is a roadmap for our future, built on the voices of our residents,” said County Executive Bello. “After 40 years, it is critical that we align our investments in infrastructure, housing, and economic development with a modern, shared vision that serves everyone in Monroe County. I encourage all residents to take part in this final review phase.”

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County officials emphasized that the draft did not emerge behind closed doors. The planning process began in August 2021 and involved years of outreach intended to gather perspectives from residents, business owners, municipalities, and community organizations. More than 50 pop-up meetings were conducted throughout the county, alongside six steering committee meetings and multiple stakeholder focus groups. Hundreds of comments and suggestions were ultimately collected during the process.

The result, county planners say, is a document intended to balance economic growth with community needs and long-term sustainability. The plan also seeks to address issues that have become increasingly central to local governments nationwide, including housing availability, transportation access, and responsible environmental planning.

Residents now have several ways to review the draft and offer input before the public comment period closes on June 18, 2026. The complete Public Review Draft has been posted online through the county’s Plan Forward website. Physical copies are also available for in-person review at the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, located at 115 South Avenue, as well as at the Monroe County Department of Planning and Development at CityPlace on West Main Street.

In addition to the document release, Monroe County will host public meetings aimed at giving residents a closer look at the proposal and an opportunity to speak directly with the project team.

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An in-person public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the MCC Brighton Campus, R. Thomas Flynn Campus Center. County officials will also conduct a virtual information session on Wednesday, June 10, from noon until 1 p.m., allowing residents to participate remotely.

Officials noted that accessibility accommodations will be available for community members who need them. Language translation services, American Sign Language interpretation, and additional accommodations can be requested in advance through the county’s planning office.

The county says feedback gathered during this final public review phase could help shape revisions before the comprehensive plan is formally adopted. Community members can submit comments through email, by phone, or by attending one of the public meetings.

The release of Plan Forward arrives at a time when many local governments across the country are reevaluating long-term planning priorities amid shifting economic conditions, housing pressures, and infrastructure demands. For Monroe County, officials say the process is ultimately about creating a coordinated vision that reflects both current realities and future aspirations.

With the comment period now underway, county leaders are encouraging as many residents as possible to review the proposal and weigh in before the final version is completed.