CASTING A COMPELLING VISION TO ENHANCE TOURISM, QUALITY-OF-LIFE, and small business.

12

Months of 
Engagement

25

Focus Group Meetings
Conducted

35

Government &
Nonprofit Agencies
Engaged

579

Survey
Responses

Community Survey Results

Final Plan Development Steps

1

Present Draft Recommendations to County Commissioners

February 2023

2

Present Draft Recommendations to Boone Town Council

March 2023

3

Conduct a Community-wide Meeting to Obtain Public Input 

April 2023

Plan Purpose

To create a community-led vision and 15-year roadmap to ensure strategic decision making and enhance quality of life throughout Watauga County and the Town of Boone. The Imagine Watauga Action Plan is led by the Watauga County and Boone Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs). 

The TDAs are responsible for managing occupancy tax revenues collected from visitors staying in both the Town of Boone and Watauga County's short-term lodging establishments. A percentage of occupancy tax revenue can be dedicated to tourism related infrastructure projects each year that will enhance the visitor experience as well as provide new opportunities for residents.

Imagine Watauga will replace the TDA's current plan, The Boone Outdoor Recreation Master Plan, which was adopted in 2010 and called for the development of Rocky Knob Park and a variety of newly developed river accesses and greenway expansions. 

As we collectively think about the future for the Town of Boone and Watauga County, residents and stakeholders now have the opportunity to offer input into the Imagine Watauga Action Plan. It's time to renew our commitment to strategic planning and cast a compelling vision to further improve quality-of-life experiences for visitors and residents.

"As the county continues to grow and thrive, there's never been a better opportunity to look to the future than now."
-Wright Tilley, Executive Director, Tourism Development

Plan Process

1

Research and Preliminary Analysis

The consultant team will conduct a direction-setting meeting with the project steering committee to discuss key opportunities and constraints, develop a database of existing tourism assets, and assess existing resources and assets.

2

Stakeholder and Public Engagement

Conduct a series of interviews and focus groups to discuss the following themes: 1) recreation; 2) environmental quality; 3) arts & culture; 4) economic development; and 5) active living. Develop a project promotional video, advertise on social media, and compel citizens to take an online survey. Produce a project website that serves as a portal for disseminating information throughout the planning process. 

3

Plan Development

With guidance from the steering committee, stakeholders, and citizens, the consultant team will create a plan framework that features preliminary recommendations for improving and
expanding the County's quality-of-life assets. The consultant team will then conduct another round of public engagement.

4

Final Plan Development

The final 15-year action plan will include all recommendations, a phasing schedule, an estimate of probable cost, and an outline of grant funding sources. Copies of the plan will be available for the public to view on the project website. 
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