Unanimous decision sends it to November voters
The Camp Verde Town Council adopted the town’s 2026 General Plan at its special session on March 11.
The plan is the town’s long-range policy framework that guides land use, infrastructure planning, economic development, housing, transportation, open space, environmental stewardship and water resources over the next 10 years.
State statute requires that municipalities of Camp Verde’s size update their plan every decade and be ratified by voters. For a town Camp Verde’s size, seven elements are required in the plan:
■ Land use and character areas
■ Economic development and growth area
■ Housing and cost of development
■ Transportation and circulation
■ Outdoor space
■ Outdoor recreation and trails
■ Environmental planning, land use and water resources
Collaborative work for the plan began in August 2024 and was developed in-house through the General Plan Technical Advisory Group. This group was made up of residents, town staff, town council members and planning & zoning commission members. The planning process included community surveys, open houses, direct public input and meetings with local organizations. Public feedback was reviewed and in many cases, directly shaped principles and language in the plan.
Feedback consistently emphasized the importance of preserving Camp Verde’s character, cultural heritage and natural environment while balancing measures for growth. Residents expressed their value for the town’s rural and western spirit as well as the importance of the Verde River. Residents also expressed a desire for more employment and local commercial opportunities.
In February, the planning & zoning commission unanimously recommended approval of the plan and suggested the council consider making grant writing a financial priority for FY27 so that goals in the plan can be reached.
The plan states that it is “our community’s roadmap for the future. It is a framework that balances growth with stewardship, protects what we value most, and reflects the voices of the people who call Camp Verde home. This document builds on our heritage, identifies current opportunities, and charts a thoughtful course toward the future. It is both a plan of action and a statement of our shared priorities.”
The town identified 10 character areas within the plan which are defined by a common set of unifying elements like historic uses, existing land use patterns and cultural identity. These include areas like Pecan Lane, 260 West and Finnie Flat. The land use decisions outlined in the plan should take into consideration how they complement the character of each area.
The plan addresses growth and aims to align inevitable growth with community values while preserving Camp Verde’s character and existing neighborhoods. While the plan establishes this framework, it does not regulate development which is done through the planning and zoning ordinance. After approved by council and ratified by voters, the town will start an update of this ordinance to fully align with the plan.
The council unanimously approved the adoption of the General Plan.
