At the first annual “State of the Community” County-wide Conference a total of 119 attendees assisted in making it a success by sharing their projects and views on the needs, challenges, and issues that face our communities.

Officials extend a special thank you to all those who attended and invite everyone to the second annual “State of the Community” County-wide Conference on Jan. 23, 2009.

The annual County-wide Conference is co-sponsored by the Richland County Health Department, City/County Planning Board and the Richland County Planner Office. The conference is the best way for these organizations to gather feedback on the two important documents: the Community Strategic Plan and the 2006 Richland County Growth Policy. These documents affect planning and action steps in every community in Richland County. As a result of last year’s conference, important updates were made to the Growth Policy, and six action groups have been formed in Richland County to take action on the issues addressed in the Community Strategic Plan. These action groups’ focus is on: water and air quality, housing, life-long learning opportunities, public safety, physical health and activity, and the high school drop-out rate.

If you have any questions about the action groups or would like to join one, please contact Becky Hayes at the Richland County Health Department at 433-2207.

Discussion shared at the last conference was transcribed into session notes. These notes assisted the City/County Planning Board and Planner Office in reaching their goal by identifying how the 2006 Richland County Growth Policy was being implemented and how the policy could be updated.

According to Montana State Law, the Richland County Growth Policy will need to be updated every five years. Richland County, City of Sidney, and the Town of Fairview will need to update their growth policy by 2011. The session notes are available on the County Planning website at http://www.richland.org/planning.

The second annual “State of the Community” County-Wide Conference is Jan. 23, 2009 at the St. Matthew’s Parish Center starting at 7:30 a.m. Because of the importance to have community attendance at the conference, a county scholarship has been set aside for any Richland County resident who wishes to attend the conference. Full registration fee is $75. If you are Richland County resident and chose to take advantage of the $50 scholarship your final cost will be $25. The fee covers the cost of lunch, snacks and beverages offered throughout the day, and all conference materials.

If you have an interest in any of the eight discussion concurrent session topics: housing, physical health resources, personal and cCultural development opportunities, preserving and using natural resources, youth opportunities and development, transportation, public safety, or economy community renewal; then plan to attend the conference to share your thoughts, concerns and any related projects you may be working on. Each session will begin with a brief report from an action group, or other organization about what they have been working on throughout the year.

For more information on the conference or to register, contact Marcy Hamburg at the Richland County Planner Office at 433-6886, or email her at mhamburg@richland.org. Online registration is also available on the planning Web site at http://www.richland.org/planning.