Within the next 30 years, our region is expected to grow by almost 300,000 people and the opportunity to plan for that growth happens now.

The five-county region of Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon and Union counties will also create some 240,000 jobs, but how can we protect those special qualities of East Tennessee and accommodate expansion?

Throughout March, PlanET will host a public participation series focusing on how the people who live, work, and play here think the region should grow. These public meetings are the third round of input, since November 2011, to explore community members' priorities and look at potential options for growth as we welcome new people and new jobs to the area.

There are two ways to participate: Individuals may visit the PlanET website at http://www.planeasttn.org to work through the materials online at their leisure. Or, you may solicit your neighborhood association or civic organization to hold a "Meeting in a Box." The latter option allows you to choose a time and location of your choice with or without a PlanET facilitator. Details will be posted soon on the PlanET website.

If you're interested in holding your own "Meeting in a Box," or want more information about this round of community input, contact PlanET Outreach Coordinator, Sherith Colverson, by phone at 865-215-4396 or by email at [email protected].