In January of 2014, Gills Creek Supervisor Bob Camicia established a Westlake-Hales Ford Planning Advisory Committee to review the Westlake and Hales Ford areas and make recommendations for the future of this area. The Advisory Committee met monthly for two years and had discussions with subject-matter professionals, close dialogue with the business community, and numerous discussions with individuals and small groups. In addition, the Committee held three public community meetings over the two years.
In March of 2016, the Advisory Committee presented to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors a report from the Advisory Committee entitled "Charting a Path to 2030 and Beyond." The Board of Supervisors directed the Planning Commission and staff to write a community plan for the Westlake-Hales Ford area.
The Franklin County Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval by a vote of 6 to 0 on October 11, 2016 and to forward the recommendation of approval of the Area Plan to the Board of Supervisors. The Franklin County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on November 15, 2016 for the adoption of the Westlake-Hales Ford Area Plan by resolution. The Area Plan was adopted as part of the Franklin County Comprehensive Plan.