Town of Mocksville Launches Comprehensive and Downtown Master Planning Process with Benchmark Planning
The Town of Mocksville is inviting residents, business owners, and stakeholders to attend a public kickoff event for its Comprehensive Plan update and new Downtown Master Plan. The event will take place during the Mocksville Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, November 4th, at 6 p.m., held at the Mocksville Education Building (behind Town Hall).
The evening will offer an overview of the planning timeline and scope, and introduce Benchmark Planning, the firm hired to lead the initiative. Multiple public input opportunities will be forthcoming as part of the process.
“This will be a twelve-month process, and we want to engage businesses and residents and seek their input on what they would like to see,” said Rollins. “There are no preplanned conclusions. The Commissioners have made an investment with Benchmark to help us build a thoughtful, long-term vision.”
Established in 1982, Benchmark Planning brings decades of experience in comprehensive planning, downtown planning, economic development, placemaking, and urban design. They have been contracted by the Board of Commissioners to update Mocksville’s 2019 Comprehensive Plan and to develop the Town’s first Downtown Master Plan.
A key component of Benchmark’s approach is transparency and accessibility. As part of the process, the firm will launch a dedicated website to allow the public to follow updates and stay informed throughout the planning effort.
Planning for the Future, Not Rushing Toward It
The town’s recent moves reflect a cautious and thoughtful approach to growth. In October 2024, the Board of Commissioners began laying the groundwork for downtown redevelopment, including the former Energy United property, by partnering with the UNC School of Government’s Development Finance Initiative (DFI) to evaluate the type of private sector investment that could be interested in the Energy United property based on current market conditions. DFI provided two scenarios for mixed residential and retail space at the Board’s June 2025 meeting.
“Rather than rushing into development, Mocksville’s leaders are focused on making intentional decisions that offer long-term benefits for the community,” Rollins said. “We want to make sure any future development aligns with our residents’ vision and preserves the unique character that defines Mocksville.”
Two Plans, One Community Vision
Comprehensive Plan Update
The updated comprehensive plan will serve as a roadmap for the town’s future and will:
- Analyze development trends, previously approved plans, demographics, and economic data
- Incorporate community perceptions and input
- Identify specific recommendations and a Future Land Use Map
- Guide infrastructure investment and growth decisions
Downtown Master Plan
Mocksville’s first-ever Downtown Master Plan will provide a framework focused specifically on the heart of the town. It will:
- Examine infrastructure, transportation, parking, and pedestrian networks
- Evaluate public safety, public space, and historic resources
- Identify key opportunity sites
- Recommend implementation strategies for public and private investment
Opportunities for Input Coming Soon
While the November 4 kickoff is just the beginning, the community will have several chances to participate in shaping the town’s future through:
- Listening sessions
- A community-wide survey
- Downtown-specific workshops
“This process is about listening,” said Rollins. “We need the community’s voice to help shape what Mocksville looks like in the next 10, 20, or 30 years. We’re laying the foundation for generations to come.”
All are welcome to attend. For updates, be on the lookout for the upcoming project website and future engagement opportunities.
Download a copy of the meeting details
Click the image to download a flyer:
