Since the Leland 2045 Comprehensive Plan was adopted in November 2021, Town staff have been using it as a tool to guide goals and initiatives across all departments.
The purpose of Leland 2045 is to enable Leland officials and citizens to anticipate and constructively respond to growth and change, and to encourage the development of safe and healthy, built, and natural environments that create opportunities for all. The planning document outlines goals, policies, and implementation strategies that were developed through a robust public engagement process.
Through collaboration with Planning staff, the community, and the Leland 2045 Focus Group, the following six themes were created to represent a vision to collaboratively advance the economy, society, culture, and the environment. The accompanying updates have been pursued in accordance with these themes from February to April 2024:
Highly Valued and Protected Natural and Cultural Resources
- Completed the Green Growth Network Framework Guide in collaboration with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to enhance the Town’s environmental character.
- Participated in the NCDOT Spring Litter Sweep, collecting 470 pounds of trash along S. Navassa Road and U.S. Highway 17.
- Created the Town’s CAMA Map, which delineates areas within the planning area that are subject to state development regulations, in collaboration with the Division of Coastal Management.
Livable, Diverse, and Connected Neighborhoods that Accommodate Growth
- Amended the Code of Ordinances to create minimum lot sizes for duplexes, triplexes, and quadraplexes that help support the density limits and character of the zoning district.
- Progress continued at Founders Park as crews prepared for the installation of the Perry Avenue extension, poured footers and slabs for the amphitheater and pavilion, installed stormwater infrastructure, and began installing the splash pad.
A Resilient and Stable Economy
- Hosted the inaugural Leland Life Science and Medical Technology Summit.
- Amended the Code of Ordinances to remove residential uses within commercial districts.
- Held an emergency management exercise for Town staff focused on the continuity of government operations during a Town-wide emergency.
An Inclusive, Supported, Healthy, Safe, and Educated Community
- Held two public Open House events to get feedback on the draft of the Age-friendly Strategic Plan.
- The Leland Fire District earned a Class 2 Fire Rating, putting Leland Fire/Rescue among the top 8% of fire departments in the state.
- Awarded $1,200 to support the Art Around Town program.
- Awarded $4,780 from the North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM) Insurance Pool Safety Grant to purchase body-worn cameras.
Infrastructure that Supports Community Life
- The Safe Streets 4 All Focus Group met to draft goals and priorities for the project.
- Awarded $5,000 from the NCLM Insurance Pool Safety Grant for Property & Liability to reduce the potential for future property and liability insurance claims by installing a fence at the Municipal Operations Center and Fire Station 51.
- Selected an engineering firm to design the U.S. Highway 17 Pedestrian Crossing.
An Active Participant in a Cooperative Region
- The Police Department held two national law enforcement leadership training courses for Town staff and statewide police departments.
Quarterly updates to Leland 2045 seek to show how departments Town-wide are incorporating the plan's current and long-range goals. These updates will be shared each quarter with Town Council and on the Town's website and social media platforms.
View the full quarterly update and newsletter.