Residents of three municipalities in Eastern York School District have the opportunity to give their input for a comprehensive plan to shape the region's future. The Hellam, Hallam and Wrightsville Community Engagement Survey invites people to share their thoughts on the major issues and opportunities impacting the community as well as what topics the plan should prioritize.

The survey launched June 24 and will remain open through Monday, July 22. It can be accessed at https://shorturl.at/vERpg and features a wide variety of questions on subjects such as community satisfaction, including the benefits of living in each municipality and the challenges facing the municipalities, and comprehensive plan priorities such as available housing, recreation opportunities and business development.

The survey is just one part of a Multi-Municipality Comprehensive Plan that began about two years ago, said Corina Mann, Hellam Township manager. All of the municipalities in the Eastern York School District initially met to discuss the plan, but ultimately, Hellam, Hallam and Wrightsville moved forward.

"We are all on this corridor along Route 462, and we decided to partner together for the Multi-Municipality Comprehensive Plan," Mann said. "In the past few years, we have been doing so many multi-municipal things because teamwork is better than 'I' work."

Over the next 16 months, data will be compiled from the survey to determine the next steps as a steering committee meets to give input on the planning process, working with staff from consultant Michael Baker International. The municipalities are also working with the York County Planning Commission and the York County Economic Alliance. Goals of the project include focusing on real, relevant issues; listening to both official and citizen input; devising practical and workable recommendations; obtaining community commitment; and recruiting partners to implement the plan.

The survey is an important part of the comprehensive plan, Mann said, because community ownership of the project matters. The survey can be anonymous, or people can provide their personal information if they choose to, and the survey takes just minutes to complete.

Mann hopes anyone with an interest in Hellam, Hallam or Wrightsville will complete the survey.

"This is your community," she said. "Have your voice be heard."