CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners on Monday approved an update to the county’s five-year comprehensive plan, including the cities of Helen and Cleveland.
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs requires local governments to maintain a comprehensive planning document to retain their status as local governing authorities. The plan has to be updated every 5 years. Last spring, White County and the cities contracted with the Georgia Mountain Regional Commission to update the comprehensive plan for submission in February 2026.
During the past year, advisory committees were appointed by the local governments and met several times over the summer and fall. There was a public meeting in June, and a public survey was available from May to November. Nearly 1,000 people responded to the survey. In addition to the public feedback, another public meeting was held in November to allow community members to provide feedback in person.
During the Feb. 23 county commission meeting, White County Economic Development Director John Sell told commissioners, “This is the backbone for having your quality local government status, and also we use it for planning and zoning for future planning.”
The cities of Cleveland and Helen also have to approve the plan.
The county’s approval came with the condition that certain clerical and other corrections be made.
