DUANE SHERRILLEditor

A member of the aldermanic council has questions as to why the 2045 Comprehensive Plan, which saw an abundance of work and resources put into formulating it, has not been revealed.

“I have had more and more citizens reach out to me who are concerned about the status of the 2045 Comprehensive Plan,” said Alderman Bobbie Wilson during the recent meeting of the Tullahoma Board of Mayor and Aldermen. “Over the past three years, one of the most important issues for me and for many citizens of Tullahoma has been the growth and development through a comprehensive plan.”

She pointed out that in 2022 the board voted down the Think Tullahoma 2040 Plan after hearing that many citizens opposed the proposed density figures did not reflect the city’s vision for Tullahoma’s future. In response the board created the Community Plan Development Committee.

“They worked diligently for two years to revise and update the outdated 2011 plan,” she said. “That effort produced the 2045 Comprehensive Plan. The document blended useful parts of both plans and reflects the needs and values of our community.”

She pointed out the plan was completed and submitted in August 2024 and is posted on the city’s website. The plan has since been discussed and refined.

“Yet here we are in September 2025 and the plan has still not been brought forward for full review by the Planning Commission or BOMA,” she said. “I’ve heard from more and more citizens that are frustrated and upset that this work, the product of thousands of hours of volunteer and staff time, continues to sit idle. The lack of any public discussion or statement of the city’s direction is concerning. The lack of acknowledgement undermines the trust of the people who stepped up to serve on the community and citizens who expect accountability and transparency.”

She added that a comprehensive plan is not optional if the city wants to grow wisely. She pointed out it provides a framework for zoning and land work, housing and economic development.

“Without it we risk piecemeal decisions that fail to reflect any clear direction,” she continued. “I believe it is time for the planning commission to place it on their agenda for full review.”

She concluded by saying she wants a time line and a schedule of when it will be on the planning commission agenda. No official answer was given as to the reason for the delay nor was the plan set for presentation before the planning commission.

The 2045 Comprehensive Plan can be viewed here: