There are some things that are undeniable about New Hanover County.

We are home to some amazing natural resources, including our beaches and waterways. We have a vibrant and diverse cultural scene that showcases talent in areas like food and the arts. We have a robust economy that features employment opportunities ranging from international companies to local start-ups.  And we’re attracting new people from all over the world every day.

Those are just a few of the factors that contribute to the most undeniable fact of them all – our community is changing and growing. From new homes to new businesses, it’s evident this is a destination where people want to be.

How we navigate that growth will shape what happens today and what our community looks like for generations to come.
As we approach this critical juncture, it’s important to understand where we are at this moment and where we ultimately want to be. As a county government, we often talk about designing plans that set a framework for how we move forward. 

Originally adopted in 2016, our Comprehensive Plan has been instrumental in shaping land use and development across the county. This has been the document that sets the standard for property zonings and potential usage. This includes the county’s work on projects such as our business parks and the installation of utilities as part of the Last Frontier project.

It has steered our land use for nearly a decade, helping our staff, Planning Board and the Board of County Commissioners, along with those who operate in the development community, make decisions on appropriate uses for property in the unincorporated portion of the county.

But, as the Comprehensive Plan nears its tenth year of existence, it’s clear that much has changed compared to when this plan was originally developed. Our community needs an update to reflect current realities and future needs.

Following the forward-thinking of our Commissioners, work has begun to bring the Comprehensive Plan into better alignment with the changes our community is facing.

This update, known as Destination NHC 2050, focuses on an array of topics related to future development, including managing population growth, enhancing infrastructure and safeguarding our natural resources – all while promoting economic opportunities that will sustain our community for generations.

To be clear, this plan cannot and will not be developed in a vacuum. While the Planning and Land Use team will oversee how this update is brought together, it’s crucial that you, our community, have a seat at the table and share your thoughts with us as this process moves along. 

Throughout the fall, there will be a series of community meetings across the county designed to gather input, collect concerns, and ensure that the voices of our residents are considered before a plan is finalized. These meetings are not just formalities – they are opportunities for you to shape the future of your neighborhoods and our county.

Destination NHC 2050 is more than a plan; it’s a strategic vision set forth by our Commissioners to ensure New Hanover County grows intelligently and sustainably.

We know these have the potential to be uncomfortable conversations. What is viewed as exciting change by some is an unwelcome disruption to others. That’s why it’s so important to engage with as many people as possible, so we can collect a diverse but clear picture from our community to see where our county stands today and how we can better shape where it will be tomorrow.

And make no mistake, the Destination NHC 2050 Comprehensive Plan update is not just a static document. It’s a strategic tool that will be capable of adapting and changing as the needs of our county shift. Experts say comprehensive plans need to be reviewed and modified to meet current demands on a five to 10-year basis. This project will give us the bedrock to build on, ensuring routine adjustments are easy to make.

Updates on Destination NHC 2050 can be sent right to your inbox with the click of a button by following this link. You’ll be informed of meetings and events taking place around the county where you can engage, share thoughts and help flush this plan out. You can also visit the Planning and Land Use website for more information.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a recent arrival to our community, I encourage everyone to get involved and stay connected on this matter. Together, we can develop a plan that makes sure New Hanover County continues to be the place we all love to call home.