HAMILTON COUNTY — The Hamilton County Commission voted 6-5 to approve the Plan Hamilton growth plan for the unincorporated county on July 1, 2026. Commissioners Mike Chauncey, Warren Mackey, Greg Beck, David Sharpe, Joe Graham, and Lee Helton voted in favor of the plan.

Commissioners Chip Baker, Steve Highlander, Jeff Eversole, Gene-o Shipley, and Ken Smith voted against the growth plan. Before the vote, Commissioner Eversole sought to table the vote, stating that new county planning staff could help forge a better plan. The motion to table the vote was defeated.

Amendments to the Plan Hamilton growth plan offered by Commissioner Eversole were also defeated. Opponents of the plan stated that it had been amended to grant concessions to developers. They also stated it would allow more growth in areas with extreme traffic problems and infrastructure needs.

Proponents of the plan stated the final document was a compromise. They also said this compromise allowed the construction community to continue building houses.