By Cindi Andrews
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The county commissioners endorsed a vision for Hamilton County's future Wednesday that encompasses everything from balanced growth to preservation of natural resources.

"I look at this as an investment," Commissioner John Dowlin said. "We have to say, 'Where are we going to be?' "

"This" is Community Compass, a two-year effort to get consensus on what goals the county should work toward in the next two or three decades. The Regional Planning Commission - an arm of county government - started the process, and it's being steered by the Planning Partnership, a group that includes officials from 30 of the county's 49 jurisdictions.

The commissioners' resolution commits the county to considering Community Compass' goals and initiatives when making decisions, and encourages other local governments to do the same. The vote doesn't mean Community Compass is finished, however: Planners are still developing strategies for reaching the goals and ways to measure progress.

Commissioner Phil Heimlich cast the only vote against the resolution Wednesday.

"This might be a nice exercise if it wasn't such a painful thing for taxpayers," he said.

The county has spent $265,664 on the effort and may be asked for an additional $450,000 according to Ron Miller, director of the Regional Planning Commission.

The goals

Community Compass has set 12 broad goals for Hamilton County:

Accessible, efficient and economical regional travel options.

Preservation and management of natural resources.

A globally competitive and diverse economy.

Quality educational opportunities.

Clean, safe communities.

Affordable, quality health and social services.

Effective, efficient local government.

Quality-of-life improvements through improved safety services, infrastructure and beautification.

Controlled growth that balances downtown and neighborhood development with open space and aids racial integration.

Increased public involvement in government.

More and better recreational and cultural activities and facilities.

A mix of residential choices throughout the county.

E-mail candrews@enquirer.com