Plymouth Forward 2040 aims to make Plymouth a more desirable place to work and live

PLYMOUTH, Ind - In a way to shape the future of Plymouth, the 2040 comprehensive plan has been a guiding force that focuses on growth for the community of Plymouth for the next 20 years.  

The city along with Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG), and a steering committee have been working together over the past year to move Plymouth into the future.  

“Most people are just looking forward to preserving what is great about Plymouth and capitalizing on the potential and opportunity that are here,” said Mathew Celmer the Director of Moontree studios and Chair of Marshall County arts and culture.   

The city of Plymouth has partnered with the Michiana Area Council of Governments to move the city into the future.  

The plan titled Plymouth Forward 2040 aims to make Plymouth a more desirable place to work and live.   

Donny Ritsema, the senior community development planner for MACOG broke down some of the plan objectives that look to nearly 20 years in the future.     

“Help them think through how their community can grow via its population size or the actual size of the community but it's also growing in programs and amenities and how individuals recreate in their community, how do they play, how do they work, where do they live, as well as learn and opportunities to really have a vibrant community,” said Ritsema.  

MACOG has been working with the city of Plymouth for about 10 months and gave residents the opportunity to share what they want their community to look like.  

The three core values, wellbeing, collaboration, and growth are outlined and residents on a survey can choose what goals they want implemented in Plymouth over the next 5 years. 

Sean Surrisi, the city attorney is excited to hear from the community about their vision for Plymouth. 

“Where they like to see future development, the types of development they like to encourage, issues from housing, the character of the downtown, just anything you can really think of and where you see the city developing over the course of the years,” said Surrisi.  

Mathew Celmer’s main priority for the future of Plymouth is creativity, no matter what industry you may be in. 

“And in the arts, kind of prioritizing creativity, not just creativity in the sense of the arts, but what about the people that want to create families, people that want to create homes, people that want to create new businesses, and how can we create a plan that is conducive to motivating people to do that here in Plymouth,” said Celmer. 

If you live in Plymouth-- you are encouraged to give feedback on the 2040 plan. 

You'll have a chance to speak to community leaders about what's in store on august 28th from 4-6pm at Plymouth city hall.