About the implementation of Horizon 2045

My public comment to the JC Commission at their Meeting on Thursday, September 4, 2025

Agenda Item #9.1 – Ordinance 4920-25 (Horizon 2045)

Good evening, Commissioners.

The Horizon 2045 process was a real success for Johnson City. It gave us a shared community vision for the future and has been described as a decision-making tool for this body. But a plan is only as strong as the Commission’s commitment to implement it. As Ms. Hodges said two weeks ago, it has no teeth unless you make it active, through plans, programs, policies, and projects initiated by this Commission.

That concern is not theoretical. The Washington County Commission’s Commerce, Industry & Agriculture Committee just this morning voted in a way that compromises community voices with respect to BrightRidge. Yet BrightRidge’s current plans for Buffalo Mountain (that is, an industrial substation) run directly against what the Future Land Use Map calls for. If our city doesn’t set a proactive tone towards implementing Horizon 2045, these kinds of conflicts will multiply, and the “shared vision” people invested in will be undermined.

And the plan itself is clear: Horizon 2045 calls for proactive steps by this Commission.

For example, Priority Action Q1.1.4 on page 168 addresses zoning changes. Q2.1.1 on page 170 points directly to BrightRidge’s alignment with the FLUM. And Q3.2.1 on page 172 highlights the housing crisis and the need for immediate Commission action.

These are not passive recommendations. They assume leadership.

So, my concern tonight is whether Horizon 2045 will drive active, transparent leadership, or if it’ll sit on a shelf while third parties set the course.

I’ll leave you with three questions:

1. How will this Commission ensure Horizon 2045 is implemented proactively, through zoning updates and other policy actions the plan itself calls for, rather than waiting on outside rezoning or development requests to shape our city?
2. How will you engage residents in that implementation, so the “shared community vision” remains real and not just a slogan?
3. Given recent decisions (whether limiting public comments, requiring insurance for community meetings, or ignoring FLUM conflicts like BrightRidge at Buffalo Mountain), how will you restore trust that Horizon 2045 will truly guide city decisions?

Thank you.