The Winnebago County Comprehensive "Smart Growth" Plan involves 22 units of government, addressing land use, housing, economic development, community facilities, agriculture, and natural resources.

In preparing this plan, PDI pioneered a unique approach to multi-jurisdictional land use planning through the creation of a "geographical policy framework." Rather than employ the restrictive zoning policies of conventional plans, PDI used more relevant concepts to maximize flexibility in different types of "policy" areas (such as arterial corridors, rural areas, and urban main streets).

Public participation is a critical component of the planning process and has included nearby planning advisory meetings as well as community wide workshops.

The intergovernmental cooperation and implementation components of the land use plan are challenging elements. Winnebago County, which is 50% covered by water, is comprised of 16 townships (with local zoning), five cities, and one village. All shoreland areas are regulated by a county wide shore and zoning ordinance.