Town Staff: Town staff, in various departments and services, will typically carry out the day-to-day operations of implementation. For example, staff may administer new program(s), facilitate presentations to discuss regulatory changes, or coordinate amongst partners to finance capital projects as recommended by the plan. Staff often provide technical advice to Plan Commissioners and elected officials to inform decision-making on topics related to the comprehensive plan.

Town Plan Commission: The Plan Commission’s primary responsibility is to implement the comprehensive plan and to ensure supporting town regulations are consistent with the plan. When reviewing any petition or when amending any controls within the town, the comprehensive plan shall be reviewed and a recommendation derived from its goals and actions (listed in the latter portion of this Implementation element), as well as the Future Land Use Plan. If a decision needs to be made in which it is inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, the comprehensive plan must be amended before the decision can take effect. The Plan Commission will need to ensure that the comprehensive plan is updated every 10 years. An annual review of the plan is recommended so the Plan Commission may stay familiarized with the plan’s content, goals, actions, and strategies.

Elected Officials: The town’s elected officials make decisions from the standpoint of overall community impact—tempered by specific, situational factors. Elected officials balance recommendations made by plans and policies, the objectives of applicants and the public, technical advice from staff, recommendations of advisory boards, and their own judgment. The comprehensive plan provides much of the information elected officials need to make a decision. While the prime responsibility of implementing and updating the comprehensive plan falls on the town’s Plan Commission, elected officials should become familiar with this plan and assert that resources are maintained to keep the comprehensive plan current and viable.

Town Committees:

Building Committee. This committee is responsible for overseeing the routine maintenance and improvements of town-owned facilities.
Parks & Land Committee. The committee is responsible for overseeing the routine maintenance, improvements and strategic planning of town parks and public lands.
Harbor Commission. The commission oversees the operation and maintenance of the town dock.
Airport Commission. This commission oversees the operation and maintenance of the Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport, which serves the Northern Door area.