Community Planning Month is observed nationally throughout the month of October, and the City of Valdosta is hosting several events to recognize the positive community-building efforts of professional and citizen planners. “Healthy Communities, Healthy People” is this year's theme, which emphasizes the key role planners play in ensuring our communities effectively utilize their resources while promoting sound long-term policies to protect the environment, ensure quality growth and create economically viable communities.
 
The “Putting Trees to Work for Stormwater” Lunch & Learn workshop is one of the highlighted events taking place on Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the Valdosta City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room. As a designated Tree City U.S.A. for 29 consecutive years, the city wants to educate and reinforce the important messages about the environmental benefits of trees in our neighborhoods and throughout our community. Lunch will be provided free of charge for guests who RSVP by Oct. 26 by calling Angela Bray at (229) 259-3530.
 
Other activities include visits to local schools to talk about the importance of sustainable community planning, coordination of community cleanup events, and guest appearances on local talk radio. A complete list of events are posted at the City of Valdosta website.
 
The City of Valdosta employs four full-time planners within the Planning and Zoning Division who are responsible for several aspects of community planning including historic preservation, long-term growth, current development and zoning. The division works closely with other departments such as Engineering and Utilities Departments, as well as planners in the Greater Valdosta community, to ensure future infrastructure improvements are consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan.