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2027 Comprehensive Plan Update

Project Status

The City of Essex Junction is updating its Comprehensive Plan, with work underway since January 2026. The project is being led by the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) in partnership with City staff and the Planning Commission, with a target adoption date of August 2027.

About the Project

The Comprehensive Plan is the City’s primary long-range policy document, guiding growth, development, and public investment. The current plan was adopted in 2019 and will expire in 2027.

Since 2019, Essex Junction has become an independent city, state housing and land-use laws have changed, and several major local and regional planning initiatives have been completed. This update will ensure the City’s plan reflects current conditions, community priorities, and state requirements.

The 2027 Comprehensive Plan Update will:

  • Align with new state and regional planning requirements
  • Build on the City’s 2024 Community Vision and Strategic Action Plan
  • Integrate recent planning efforts, including the Connect the Junction Transit-Oriented Development Master Plan
  • Address housing, transportation, land use, infrastructure, sustainability, and economic development

The City is working with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) to lead the update in collaboration with City staff, the Planning Commission, City Council, and the community.

Get Involved

There are several ways to share your input throughout spring and summer 2026, including focus groups, a public open house, a community survey, and tabling at local events.

​​​Focus Groups

We are convening three small focus groups to help develop specific, actionable policies in areas where community input matters most. Each group meets for about 2 hours per session, with pre-reading materials provided before each meeting.

  • Housing and Urban Design - Tuesday, April 21, 6:00–8:00 PM
  • Energy and Climate Resilience - Wednesday, May 6, 6:00–8:00 PM
  • Business and Economic Mobility - TBD, May or June

Sign up for project updates or to join a focus group:

Sign Up Here

    Stipends

    A $75 stipend per meeting is available for eligible community members. To be eligible, a participant must not be attending as a paid representative of their employer or another organization, and must not otherwise be compensated for their time. Priority is given to participants who face one or more barriers to participation, such as financial hardship, transportation costs, childcare or dependent care responsibilities, technology barriers, or other circumstances that may limit their ability to participate without compensation.

    Project Documents

    Questions?

    Contact Christopher Yuen, AICP, Community Development Director
    cyuen@essexjunction.org | 802-878-6944 ext. 1607