Tampa, FL (March 24, 2023) – With its enduring natural beauty, unique charm, and diversity, Unincorporated Hillsborough County is attracting national attention and unprecedented growth, both regionally and locally, as we expect an additional 350,000 people and 107,000 jobs by 2045*. While the success of the County brings many benefits to our communities, its growth also creates a series of challenges for current and future residents, businesses, and visitors. Those who live, work, or play in Unincorporated Hillsborough County are warmly invited to provide their vision for the future in a brief survey. Public comments will be used to update the Future Land Use Section of the Unincorporated Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan. This update will serve as a guide to how and where we will grow over the next 20+ years. The Comprehensive Plan touches nearly every facet of our lives — where we live and work, what transportation choices we have, opportunities for recreation, and how to protect our natural assets, neighborhood character and vital resources. Future Land Use (FLU) is a specific section within the Unincorporated Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan that describes the future land use map that outlines allowable density or intensity for a particular area. It’s a community’s blueprint for growth which outlines how the land can be used to facilitate the community’s vision. “We hear a lot about the rapid growth occurring throughout our community from unincorporated county residents,” said Melissa Zornitta, FAICP. “This is an opportunity to weigh in on our future plans – we really want to hear from everyone.” Community input is essential to accurately reflect the desires of those who live in Unincorporated Hillsborough County. The public is encouraged to take a brief interactive online survey to weigh in. The survey will be open through April 30, 2023, and is available in both English and Spanish. Those who complete the survey and provide their email and home zip code will be eligible for a drawing for one of five $100 Publix gift cards! The feedback provided will directly help guide the decisions that will be made throughout the update process. The Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission has also scheduled the first public meeting which will cover the goals and discuss upcoming potential changes to the Future Land Use Section. There will be additional opportunities for the public to weigh in at virtual and in-person community meetings this spring and summer, and at meetings of the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Public Engagement Meeting #1When: Tuesday, April 25 | 6:00 pmWhere: Register for this virtual meeting To learn more about the Future Land Use update, visit planhillsborough.org/hclanduse. To view the current Comprehensive Plan for Unincorporated Hillsborough County visit bit.ly/hccompplan. *Source: Planning Commission 2045 projections as of March 2023 For questions about the Comprehensive Plan update, please contact:Andrea Papandrew, AICP | Senior Planner | papandrewa@plancom.org | 813.665.1331Melissa Lienhard, AICP | Executive Planner | lienhardm@plancom.org | 813.547.4364 |