(Janesville, WI) Rock County invites residents to share their input through a series of community meetings as it launches a major update to its long-range planning documents – specifically, the County’s Comprehensive Plan and its Farmland Preservation Plan. Together, these plans will address a wide range of challenges and opportunities; connect local planning efforts; and serve as valuable guides for local decision-makers for the next 10-20 years.

All members of the public, as well as community staff and elected officials are invited to participate in a series of community engagement meetings kicking off later this month:

• Monday, August 25, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Johnstown Community Center (9937 E County Rd A, Janesville, WI 53546)
• Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Creekside Place in Evansville (102 Maple St, Evansville, WI 53536)
• Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Daniel Hale Williams Resource Center in Janesville (1717 Center Ave, Janesville, WI 53546)

The Rock County Comprehensive Plan, last updated in 2009, serves as a roadmap for future decisions on land use, housing, transportation, natural resources, and other important topics. The Farmland Preservation Plan, last revised in 2016, works closely with the comprehensive plan to protect farmland and support agriculture. Keeping this plan current also allows farmers who meet soil and water conservation standards to remain eligible for state income tax credits through the Wisconsin Farmland Preservation Program.

These planning processes and updates are being led by the Rock County Planning, Economic & Community Development Agency with support from the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC). The Rock County Planning & Development Committee is providing oversight throughout the process, along with a 13-member Advisory Workgroup of community leaders.

For more information, visit this link and/or contact Rachel Sarow (rachel.sarow@co.rock.wi.us or 608-757-5583).