Last Edited: December 27, 2024 @ 10:50 am

The American Planning Association County Planning Division, and National Association of County Planners recently recognized the Clarksville Montgomery County Comprehensive Plan with an award of Excellence – Large Jurisdiction category for 2024. 

The Clarksville Montgomery County Comprehensive Plan was also recognized by the Tennessee Chapter of the American Planning Association earlier this year as an "Outstanding Plan for a Large Jurisdiction". 

The Clarksville Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission (CMCRPC) embarked on a nearly two-year journey in 2022 to develop and adopt a new comprehensive plan that would serve both the city and county.  While the new plan drew on concepts from the original 1999 plan, it was built from the ground up and is a new vision for the future, shaped by the voices of the community.  

Over the course of 20 months, this project brought together residents, business owners, elected and appointed officials, staff, service providers, and other community stakeholders. Their collaborative efforts played a vital role in ensuring that the plan accurately represents the diverse perspectives and needs of the community, establishing a clear roadmap for the next 20 years. The planning process engaged over 1,150 individuals through a combination of in-person and online community outreach tools and exercises, ensuring broad participation and input. 

At the core of the Clarksville Montgomery County Comprehensive Plan are the principles of equity, engagement, and fiscal responsibility, which have been woven into every aspect of the planning process. This community-driven approach sought to ensure that every voice could be heard, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment among residents. The plan is designed as a dynamic, living document that will adapt and grow with the community, helping Clarksville and Montgomery County remain resilient and responsive to change. 

The plan redefines community planning and emphasizes a shared vision and sustainable growth for a vibrant and inclusive future. This approach empowers the comprehensive plan to effect meaningful change on a neighborhood scale, addressing specific land use, housing, transportation, and infrastructure needs unique to each area. By designing strategies based on local characteristics, the Clarksville Montgomery County Comprehensive Plan enhances the quality of life for all residents, positioning the County as a vibrant and thriving community poised for generations to come. 

“We are so proud of the work of our staff and consultants who made this possible. This plan is a solid framework for the community and was recognized by a panel of planners for its approach to long-range planning in our community. We are excited about the continued accolades of this Comprehensive Plan, which is already making a difference in our community,” said Clarksville Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission Director Jeffrey Tyndall, AICP  
 
“This well-deserved award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Regional Planning Commission team. I am particularly proud of the collaborative investment from our community stakeholders and planning team to develop a comprehensive plan that meets the needs of the entire community,” said Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden. 

“This shared vision is about the future we want to build together and ensuring every part of our community benefits from strategic planning that promotes opportunity and thoughtful growth. This plan will move us forward, guide our efforts, and provide a clear roadmap to propel our city and county toward a brighter, more prosperous future for all residents of Clarksville and Montgomery County,” said Mayor Golden. 

"The Regional Planning Commission is to be heartily congratulated on this award," said Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts. 
 
"To achieve creation of an equitable, realistic and manageable, forward-looking Comprehensive Plan that reflects the widely-diverse interests of our city and county, the RPC had to give careful forethought to building a document that took into account stakeholders' views representing every age, gender, ethnicity, and nationality, as well as the full spectrum of socio-economic and local geographical perspectives," said Mayor Pitts. 
 
"This approach is consistent with our own strategic and departmental planning initiatives and routine practices throughout the City of Clarksville, and that is why I can comfortably endorse and applaud what the RPC has produced," he said. 
 
To learn more about the plan, visit: https://www.cmcrpc.com/compplan 

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Last Edited: December 23, 2024 @ 11:10 am

Montgomery County Government offices will be closed Monday, December 23rd at 12:00 pm, Tuesday, December 24th, Wednesday, December 25th, 2024, and Wednesday, January 1st, 2025, in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Please remember the health and public safety teams that are working hard to keep us safe during the holiday season.

For online services available through Montgomery County Government, visit the GOV tab at mcgtn.org. 

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Michelle Hueffmeier
Director of Communications & Marketing
1 Millennium Plaza, Suite 101
Clarksville, TN 37040
(931) 648-8482 ext. 1

Montgomery County will host its second New Year’s Eve Party at the Downtown Commons, at 215 Legion Street, on December 31, 2024, beginning at 9:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music, food trucks, drinks, and a balloon drop to celebrate the start of 2025!

In its first year, this free and open-to-the-public event was a huge success, with over 2,500 guests showing up to ring in 2024.

“We were completely blown away by the community support last year and have decided to go even bigger to accommodate the 4,000 guests we are expecting,” said Montgomery County Mayor Wesley Golden. “We will be completely tenting the Downtown Commons turf, doubling the interior seating, and adding to the dance floor, with the same entertainment with a 10-piece band, food trucks, and a photo-booth trailer!”

Austin Peay State University proudly serves as the presenting sponsor of the evening, ensuring a night to remember! Austin Peay will bring the party to life with a special surprise during the event. The night will conclude with a balloon drop in Austin Peay’s signature colors: red, white, and black. Austin Peay will also offer free parking on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, with the exception of Lots 22, 23, 77, and 28, which will be reserved for event preparations. Please visit apsu.edu/parking for more information.  

We encourage visitors to start their evening by dining at one of our downtown Clarksville restaurants. Beginning at 9:00 p.m., guests can explore a variety of food options on-site at the Downtown Commons. Enjoy delicious offerings from Wolf Down or choose from food trucks like Blondie & Brownie, Say Cheese Please, Fryz Wit Dat, and Smash’n Beef Co. Thanks to our bar sponsor, TriStar Beverage, refreshments will be available at three digital cash bars throughout the night. Park Parking will be free of charge at all Austin Peay lots.

The Montgomery County New Year's Eve Party promises an unforgettable celebration as the community rings in 2025 together at the Downtown Commons. With live entertainment, delicious food, and surprises from Austin Peay State University, the stage is set for this event to build on the success of last year's festivities. Whether you are a local or visiting for the holiday, don't miss this night of fun, connection, and excitement under the stars as we welcome the New Year in style! 

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Last Edited: December 11, 2024 @ 9:54 am

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – On Thursday, December 5, the 19th Judicial District Mental Health Court (MHC) celebrated a significant milestone by honoring its first graduate since its establishment in 2023.

This graduate completed the program in just 12 months, the minimum time required to participate in the mental health court program. The MHC is proud to report a zero percent recidivism rate and has doubled the number of participants since its launch in September 2023. 

The court is also grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Adult Probation and Veterans Treatment court staff. Mental Health Court provides its participants with equitable and effective support while demanding accountability and treating each participant with dignity, respect, and room for personal growth. The MHC staff is pleased to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and effort the first graduate has demonstrated over the past year.

Judge Katy Olita of the 19th Judicial District presides over the Mental Health Court, and Sharita Brown serves as the Director; both shared words of encouragement during the ceremony, while guest speaker Founder of Haynes House Sanctuary Lisa Martin, emphasized the importance of endings and beginnings.

 Applications to join the Mental Health Court can only be made through legal counsel or by referral from a judge.

Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you to the supporters of this vital program.

For more information about the 19th Judicial District Mental Health Court, visit https://mcgtn.org/mental-health-court.

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Last Edited: December 06, 2024 @ 3:28 pm

Looking for family-friendly holiday activities this season? Check out the full schedule of events for December by Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, including festivals, crafts, winter hikes, ice sculpting, movie nights, and photo ops with Santa! All events are free and open to the public; some require registration.  

SpiritFest & Lighted Christmas Parade  
Stop by Downtown Commons on December 7 to watch the lighting of the Montgomery County Christmas Tree at 4:30 pm and stay for the Lighted Christmas Parade at 5:00 pm. Prior to the Christmas Tree Lighting, SpiritFest will take place from 2:00-4:00 pm on the lawn of Downtown Commons, First Presbyterian, and Trinity Episcopal Parish.  

Holiday Card Drop-In Days 
Stop by the Nature Center, on December 6, 7, or 13 for Holiday Card drop-in Days to make a card for someone you love, and/or donate a handmade card to someone who needs holiday cheer. An abundance of materials will be available for your creative ideas!  

Photos with Santa 
Santa will visit the Nature Center each Saturday leading up to Christmas from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, December 7, 14, and 21. Santa will be seated on a lush green velvet couch with a beautiful nature-themed tree backdrop, perfect for family photos! NO photographer onsite. Personal phones/cameras will be needed. While waiting, guests are welcome to write Santa a letter, drop it in the magical North Pole Mailbox, and search for a hidden mischievous "Elf on the Shelf"! 

Coca Hike  
Join us for a 45-minute Cocoa Hike with lanterns through Rotary Park! Please dress appropriately for weather conditions. Appropriate footwear, long pants, and bug spray are recommended. Guests will meet at the Nature Center front doors to check in up to 10 minutes before the program and to distribute lanterns. After the hike, stick around for a cup of hot cocoa! The trail difficulty level is rated moderate; please use your best judgment when registering. Strollers are NOT recommended for this terrain. Registration is required.  https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog

Planting Party, Winter Seed Sowing  
On December 17, the nature center will host a workshop focused on preparing a mini greenhouse for native plants to begin growing during the winter. Each participant is asked to provide a clean one-gallon water/milk jug, which will be used as a mini greenhouse. All other materials are provided. No experience or prior knowledge is needed. Young children may have a harder time sitting through the presentation, so use your best discretion when registering. Registration is required. https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog

DIY Holiday Ornament Making  
Stop by the Nature Center on December 19 for a drop-in holiday ornament activity. All materials are supplied, including 3" wooden loops, ribbons, bows, charms, bells, stickers, ext. 

Ice Sculpting & Movie Night  
Get ready for a holiday night of fun! Head to Downtown Commons on December 19 at 6:00 pm for a special screening of 2018 animated "The Grinch". Enjoy the movie with a twist—watch talented ice sculptor Joshua Perry from Burgasm create live ice art during the film. 

Story Tails  
Every 3rd Saturday of the month, the Wade Bourne Nature Center holds "Story Tails," a program promoting literacy to children by creating a wonder for the natural world. This program aligns with the mission of the Center by fostering appreciation for the environment and encouraging kids to explore the outdoors. Sessions will be held inside and/or outside, depending on the weather on December 21 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This program is for children ages 1-6. Registration is required.  https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog

New Year’s Eve Party 
Beginning at 9:00 PM on December 31st, at Downtown Commons, we will kick off our second Montgomery County New Year’s Eve party with presenting sponsor Austin Peay State University! Join us for a night of singing, dancing, and enjoying delicious food as we enter 2025! We will have a live band, dance floor, photo-booth trailer, food trucks, a balloon drop, and a surprise at midnight. This is a once-a-year event you don’t want to miss! Free and open to the public, all ages are welcome.