A master or comprehensive plan is a guiding document that helps a community make informed decisions about its future. Throughout the planning process we will look at Barberton as a whole, bringing together the many pieces that shape daily life, from housing and neighborhoods to parks and recreation, transportation, businesses, industry, public spaces, and community services. The plan will take a close look at where Barberton is today, recognize the community’s strengths and opportunities, identify challenges that may need attention, and establish a shared vision for where the City wants to go over the next 15 years and beyond.

For Barberton, this plan is an opportunity to build on the qualities that make it a special place while preparing for the changes and opportunities ahead. It can help guide decisions about where new housing could be appropriate, how neighborhoods can remain strong and welcoming, how parks and public spaces can better serve residents, where businesses and jobs can grow, and how streets, trails, and other connections can better link people and places throughout the community. It can also help the City prioritize investments and coordinate efforts so that individual projects work together toward a larger vision.

A comprehensive plan provides a framework for action beyond City government. The finished plan will include goals, recommendations, and priorities that can help City leaders, residents, businesses, organizations, and community partners make decisions in the years ahead. It can inform future investments, policies, development decisions, infrastructure improvements, and other initiatives while giving Barberton a clear set of priorities to work toward.

Most importantly, the vision for Barberton’s future should come from the people who know the community best. This plan will be shaped through conversations with residents, business owners, community organizations, City officials, and others who care about Barberton. You'll have many opportunities to share ideas, identify what is working well, discuss what could be improved, and help determine priorities.

This is your opportunity to help shape Barberton's future. Whether you have lived here your entire life, recently moved to the community, own a business, raise a family here, or care about what comes next, your perspective matters. Throughout the planning process, we invite you to participate, share your experiences, and tell us what you want to see for Barberton's future.

Join the conversation. Share your ideas. Help shape the plan. Together, we can create a vision for Barberton that is grounded in the community we know and love while preparing for the opportunities ahead.