(Riley County, KS – December 18, 2025) Today the Riley County Board of County Commissioners approved the county’s updated Comprehensive Plan, Riley County Together – Comprehensive Plan 2040, following a multi-year planning and public engagement process.The Comprehensive Plan serves as a long-range policy guide for land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure, and economic development decisions through the year 2040.
While the plan does not change zoning or development regulations on its own, it helps guide future policy decisions and updates to county regulations.The newly adopted plan replaces the county’s previous comprehensive plan and reflects updated data, evolving community needs, and current planning best practices. Notable differences between the previous plan and Riley County Together – Comprehensive Plan 2040 include an updated planning horizon extending through 2040, refreshed goals and policies related to growth and development, infrastructure, public health, outdoor amenities, housing, and rural character, and improved organization to make the plan easier to use as a decision-making resource.
The plan was reviewed through several community engagement events and two public hearings, one before the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board and one before the Riley County Planning Board. Although several people were in attendance, no additional comments were shared and no changes were recommended during either hearing, and the plan advanced to the County Commission as presented.