CASTING A COMPELLING VISION TO ENHANCE TOURISM, QUALITY-OF-LIFE, and small business.
12
Months of Engagement
25
Focus Group Meetings Conducted
35
Government & Nonprofit Agencies Engaged
579
Survey Responses
Community Survey Results
Emerging Themes
CONNECTIVITY
OUTDOOR
RECREATION
ARTS &
CULTURE
EDUCATION
& AWARENESS
SPREAD
DEMAND
RURAL
VILLAGE
Final Plan Development Steps
1
Present Draft Recommendations to County Commissioners
February 2023
2
Present Draft Recommendations to Boone Town Council
March 2023
3
Conduct a Community-wide Meeting to Obtain Public Input
April 2023
Plan Purpose
To create a community-led vision and 15-year roadmap to ensure strategic decision making and enhance quality of life throughout Watauga County and the Town of Boone. The Imagine WataugaAction Plan is led by the Watauga County and Boone Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs).
The TDAs are responsible for managing occupancy tax revenues collected from visitors staying in both the Town of Boone and Watauga County's short-term lodging establishments. A percentage of occupancy tax revenue can be dedicated to tourism related infrastructure projects each year that will enhance the visitor experience as well as provide new opportunities for residents.
Imagine Watauga will replace the TDA's current plan, The Boone Outdoor Recreation Master Plan, which was adopted in 2010 and called for the development of Rocky Knob Park and a variety of newly developed river accesses and greenway expansions.
As we collectively think about the future for the Town of Boone and Watauga County, residents and stakeholders now have the opportunity to offer input into the Imagine Watauga Action Plan. It's time to renew our commitment to strategic planning and cast a compelling vision to further improve quality-of-life experiences for visitors and residents.
"As the county continues to grow and thrive, there's never been a better opportunity to look to the future than now."
-Wright Tilley, Executive Director, Tourism Development
Plan Goals
ASSETS
Inventory existing tourism assets within Watauga County and Boone and evaluate their current condition and ability to provide a quality user experience.
PARTNERS
Engage government and community leaders to identify projects currently being planned and developed that will enhance the quality of life for locals and visitors.
GAPS
Identify new, compelling tourism infrastructure projects to promote the outdoor economy.
UNITY
Identify projects that also help achieve broader community goals, such as young adult and workforce retention, small business growth, environmental quality, and active living.
VISUAL
Create a plan that generates interest and casts an inspiring vision by creating compelling renderings, site master plans, 3-D illustrations, and other graphics to effectively communicate recommendations.
STRATEGY
Provide the Tourism Development Authorities and their partners with clear strategies and a prioritization schedule for implementing the 15-year action plan.
Plan Process
1
Research and Preliminary Analysis
The consultant team will conduct a direction-setting meeting with the project steering committee to discuss key opportunities and constraints, develop a database of existing tourism assets, and assess existing resources and assets.
2
Stakeholder and Public Engagement
Conduct a series of interviews and focus groups to discuss the following themes: 1) recreation; 2) environmental quality; 3) arts & culture; 4) economic development; and 5) active living. Develop a project promotional video, advertise on social media, and compel citizens to take an online survey. Produce a project website that serves as a portal for disseminating information throughout the planning process.
3
Plan Development
With guidance from the steering committee, stakeholders, and citizens, the consultant team will create a plan framework that features preliminary recommendations for improving and expanding the County's quality-of-life assets. The consultant team will then conduct another round of public engagement.
4
Final Plan Development
The final 15-year action plan will include all recommendations, a phasing schedule, an estimate of probable cost, and an outline of grant funding sources. Copies of the plan will be available for the public to view on the project website.
