(St. Joseph County, IN) - Public input is being collected for a comprehensive land use plan in St. Joseph County.

Land use has become a hot topic in St. Joseph County, especially in areas around New Carlisle. The current plan, which is 20 years old, is being updated. And since the City of South Bend backed out of the Area Plan Commission a couple of years ago, planners are shifting focus to unincorporated areas.

Eight working groups will be created to get feedback on topics ranging from agricultural use to transportation and utilities to housing and quality of life, among others.

A public meeting is scheduled for this upcoming Wednesday on the campus of IU South Bend to organize participants in the groups. For information on the areas of study and the upcoming meeting, click here.