Introduction: A few years ago, the Ellsworth community decided it was time to update its Comprehensive Plan because it wanted to modify the way it was growing. The project was steered by a large committee bringing to the table a wide range of views, knowledge, and ideas about the Ellsworth community. Although it took some time to understand the broad array of problems needing to be addressed and to develop solutions reflecting local conditions and values, the product is a strong and credible plan, tailored to the needs of the Ellsworth community while meeting the goals of the State’s Growth Management Act. The plan was unanimously adopted by the City Council on February 14, 2005.