The City of Eufaula is in the process of creating a comprehensive plan along with the help of Freese and Nichols, a privately owned engineering, planning and consulting firm serving clients across the United States.

This plan will help the city maintain its character, enhance the quality of life for its residents and support economic development.

The Eufaula Advisory Committee held its first planning meeting on Friday, Nov. 21.

The Advisory Committee will help guide the city’s new Comprehensive Plan — a long-term strategy for managing Eufaula’s growth, development, and community priorities.

The committee includes representatives from the City Council, the Planning and Zoning Board, and members of the public.

“It is truly an exciting time for Eufaula as we kicked off our first comprehensive plan meeting. I believe the meeting went very well. One of the aspects that I truly loved about the meeting was that it involved the City Council, the planning and zoning board, the city staff led by our city manager, Jacob Foos, and the comprehensive plan committee, all working together to plan the best for Eufaula’s future,” Eufaula Mayor James Hickman said.

The group began with a discussion of Eufaula’s strengths, weaknesses, and challenges to growth. After a working lunch, members toured the city limits, visiting 36 points of interest, including the cemetery, hospital, airport, public works facilities, and city parks.

The Comprehensive Plan timeline includes several phases: the project kickoff, community outreach events, midproject updates, study plan development, and final recommendations. Key topics include land use, transportation, infrastructure, and community development.

The plan will serve as the city’s road map for the next 10-20 years. The city can use the plan to make important decisions for budgeting, land use and development decisions.

The first public event tied to the project took place during the “Lights On” celebration on Friday night, giving residents an opportunity to share their input and learn more about the planning process.

Public involvement remains a central focus of the plan. Residents are encouraged to join the conversation by attending upcoming meetings and filling out a public questionnaire, accessible via QR code. City officials stress that local input will directly shape the final vision for Eufaula’s future.

Meeting dates and engagement opportunities will be announced throughout the process.

“Even if you weren’t able to make it to Friday’s meeting, everyone’s input is very important! We are working hard to make it easy for you to have your say. We are encouraging everyone to take the online survey so you can share your ideas and make your voice heard on the future of Eufaula. Because this plan belongs to all of us,” Hickman said.