Erie County is seeking the public’s help in contributing to a countywide Cultural Heritage Plan.

With the plan, which is a key recommendation of Emerge 2040, the county is taking an important step to better protect its cultural and historic assets. The Cultural Heritage Plan – a joint effort led by the Erie County Department of Planning and by Preservation Erie – will set forth goals, policies and strategies focused on preserving, maintaining and enjoying cultural and historic resources in every Erie County community.

The Erie County Department of Planning is seeking public input related to Erie County’s culture, traditions and historic places, as well as the ways in which they are cared for and protected. Input gathered from an online survey and at public engagement meetings will inform the planning process and help the county and Preservation Erie make decisions about what should be protected and how.

“Erie County’s rich cultural heritage is one of its greatest assets, and this plan takes vital steps toward preserving those traditions,” said Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper. “These assets belong to our community, which is why it is so important for the community to help guide how the plan’s priorities take shape.”

The survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ErieCoCHP and will remain available through January 15. Public engagement meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, December 14, around the county:

• December 14 at 10 a.m. – Edinboro Borough Building; 124 Meadville St., Edinboro
• December 14 at 2 p.m. – Girard Borough Social Hall; 34 Main St. W., Girard
• December 14 at 6 p.m. – Erie Art Museum, 411 State St., Erie (use East Fifth Street entrance)

These meetings, which are free and open to the public, offer opportunities to talk face-to-face with representatives from Erie County and Preservation Erie, local civic leaders and consultants preparing the plan. Everyone interested in Erie County’s culture, history, historic preservation or community revitalization is encouraged to attend.

The Cultural Heritage Plan has the potential to have a substantial impact on economic revitalization, environmental sustainability, quality-of-life enhancements and more in the county. The plan’s content will help community leaders, residents and organizations capitalize on these benefits and will assist civic leaders in including the protection and integration of cultural and historic resources into local planning and zoning efforts.