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 May to July 2024:
Highly Valued and Protected Natural and Cultural Resources
- Town Council adopted the Green Network Master Plan Framework Guide.
- Completed renovations to the Cypress Cove Park boardwalk.
Livable, Diverse, and Connected Neighborhoods that Accommodate Growth
- Published the final report for the Leland Resilient Routes Project.
- Awarded two bicycle racks and an ADA-compliant self-service repair public work stand by the NC Division of Public Health, aiming to promote physical activity as a mode of transportation.
A Resilient and Stable Economy
- The Town was assigned an Aa1 initial user rating and an Aa2 rating for its limited obligation bonds, and the Local Government Commission approved Leland’s application to issue up to $13.5 million in bonds for the Leland Town Hall expansion project.
- Town Council approved a $50 million budget for fiscal year 2024-2025.
An Inclusive, Supported, Healthy, Safe, and Educated Community
- Created the Town of Leland Hurricane Guide to assist residents in preparing for hurricane season.
- Completed the Age-Friendly Community Strategic Plan in collaboration with AARP.
- Hosted the annual Hurricane Expo to prepare residents for hurricane season.
- The Police Department completed incident command training to enable officers to establish and fulfill the role of incident commander.
Infrastructure that Supports Community Life
- The Safe Streets 4 All public outreach phase began.
- Started discussing timelines and project plans for the Integrated Mobility Plan.
- Completed the Mallory Creek Drive drainage improvements from Pine Cone Drive to Blue Spruce Way.
- Awarded a $1 million Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund grant from North Carolina Emergency Management to assist with the Old Fayetteville Road Culvert Replacement project.
An Active Participant in a Cooperative Region
- The Town and H2GO have jointly applied to relocate the South Navassa Sewer Pump Station. FEMA is currently reviewing the application for environmental and historic preservation consideration.
- Leland Fire/Rescue held truck operations and hose line training with firefighters from Calabash, Horry County, Sunset Beach, and Ocean Isle Beach.
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.