What will Ames look like in 2040? Where will new housing and commercial areas be built? Will there be new parks or expanded trails? How will this growth affect the environment or surrounding communities? The public kick-off for Ames’ new comprehensive plan, Ames Plan 2040: Live | Grow | Belong, will begin with an open house at the Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave., on Tuesday, Feb. 5. The open house will include two sessions, one from 3 to 5 p.m. and one from 6 to 8 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend either session, share their thoughts, and participate in creating the new plan.

This is the first opportunity for public input, and public participation will be requested throughout the process through meetings, surveys, commenting tools, open houses, and other outreach opportunities.

The new comprehensive plan will be developed through multiple steps including assessment of background and existing conditions, identification of growth and redevelopment scenarios, and formulating community goals and policies. Public input will be sought during multiple stages of preparing the plan over the next two years. Ultimately the City Council will consider input from all of these steps to adopt a new plan for the City to guide growth and change.

 To get the most up-to-date information on the Comprehensive Plan and upcoming opportunities to get involved, go to www.CityOfAmes.org/CompPlan