UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Extension is hosting a free webinar designed to help the public, landowners, business owners, local municipal officials and planning commissioners understand the importance of comprehensive planning.

“Comprehensive Plans in Pennsylvania: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?” will occur from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, and will be repeated from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24.

In Pennsylvania, local and county governments have the authority to create and implement comprehensive plans — a tool for guiding decision-making on transportation, land use, housing and other factors that impact residents’ quality of life. These plans serve as official public documents, outlining a community’s physical development goals and providing a vision for elected officials, planning commissions, and other public and private entities.

Organizers noted that developing a plan should not be a one-time project; it should be updated periodically in response to community changes.

Participants can learn why comprehensive planning is vital for communities, what a comprehensive plan entails, and the roles of municipal authorities, the public and other stakeholders in its development.

The session will cover:

— The components of a comprehensive plan.

— The role of planning agencies in developing these plans.

— The benefits of adopting a comprehensive plan.

— How the public can influence the planning process.

Attendees can engage with experts and learn how comprehensive plans can shape their community’s future. A comprehensive plan provides context and direction for land-use ordinances and regulations, promoting thoughtful and effective development, presenters said.

Penn State Extension offers this program free of charge, but preregistration is required. To register, visit the Penn State Extension website.

For more information, contact Peter Wulfhorst at 570-296-3400 or by email at ptw3@psu.edu.