In May 2022, the Town of Culver kicked off the planning process to update its 2014 Comprehensive Plan guided by the Michiana Council of Governments (MACOG). The larger group that evolved from a two-day economic development discussion, began by identifying a brand and logo. They then established a steering committee and chose community engagement activities to be utilized during the planning process.
The purpose of the Steering Committee was to oversee and guide the plan development. This committee consisted of nearly 20 stakeholders with a representation of Town officials, Town Boards, Town staff, local business leaders, the Chamber, Find Culver, Culver Community Schools, Culver Academies, Marshall County Economic Development Corporation, and local residents. The Committee has met monthly since May 2022.
Engagement activities have consisted of a public input survey that was available in June and July 2022 in online and paper formats, along with a “Postcard from the Future” activity that engaged residents at the Farmer’s Market and Lake Fest in 2022. MACOG representatives interviewed community stakeholders in July and August 2022 and hosted a series of Focus Group Workshops in December 2022 and January 2023. The collected input guided the Steering Committee to establish a vision, six (6) core values, major opportunities and challenges, goals, and strategies with the purpose to make Culver a distinct and attractive destination.
Culver’s Vision:
“Culver is committed to optimizing our natural resources and human capital to create a quality destination for residents, scholars, workforce, and visitors to Culver Academies, Lake Maxinkuckee, and our vibrant year-round town.”
Core Values:
1. Culver as a Destination
2. Arts & Culture
3. Quality of Place
4. Quality for People
5. Infrastructure
6. Business Development & Support
Community Engagement:
The work has progressed to the stage of community engagement. In July the following public open houses and engagement activities will be offered to provide opportunities for Culver stakeholders and residents to comment on the draft Plan and help prioritize the goals and strategies into an action program.
• Two open house sessions from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, July 10th in the cafeteria of the Culver Community Middle-High School.
• An open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 11 at the Culver-Union Township Public Library.
• Farmer’s Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 22.
Following these efforts, MACOG and the Town will finalize the narrative for the draft Plan, incorporating the input received from residents and stakeholders, and will seek approval and adoption by the Culver Plan Commission and Town Council in August.
