The Town of Manila continued its dedication to future development through smart growth planning and unified infrastructure systems. Actions taken by the Mayor, Staff, and Town Board over recent years reflected a strategy rooted in the Town's General Plan and objectives established during the General Plan process.
Prioritizing preservation and global solutions
Manila's planning efforts focused on finding global solutions across all town departments. While tourism serves as a primary economic driver, officials prioritized the preservation of open space, agricultural lands, and the rural western lifestyle. The town recognized that maintaining agricultural lands helps protect air and water quality, provides wildlife habitats, prevents flooding, and acts as a barrier to rural sprawl.
Guidelines for future development impacts
As development continues within Manila, the town required that future developments follow General Plan guidance. This was intended to ensure the preservation of public lands, ridgelines, wetland drainage, and wildlife corridors. New developments were required to evaluate impacts on public utilities, fire control, infrastructure systems, and economic contributions.
Zoning ordinance and district regulations
The town utilized an amended Zoning Ordinance to divide the incorporated area into districts for residential, business, and industrial uses. These regulations aimed to promote public health and safety while ensuring that new developments bear their fair share of costs for necessary improvements and services.
Protecting local wildlife migration paths
Additionally, wildlife-sensitive planning was addressed through a Wildlife Corridors Map. This map identified migration areas for species such as Mule Deer and Red Tailed Fox, acknowledging the importance of the town and adjacent lands as winter havens for local wildlife.
Planning and Zoning board details
The Planning and Zoning board held meetings on the first Monday of every month at the town hall meeting room. The board included Chairman Scott Taylor, Vice Chairman Ray Nelson, Randall Browning, Rob Gahley, Cathy Golightly as an alternate, and Secretary Sami Reitz.
