ST. GEORGE — St. George leaders unveiled the draft of the city's first-ever master plan today.

The "St. George 2050 Comprehensive Plan" is designed to guide the city's growth over the next two decades and is built around 16 priorities, including economic development, drainage and infrastructure, and enhanced public safety.

The city is now almost two and a half years into its incorporation. Planning and Development Director Bryant Dixon said the document will shape how the city handles land use going forward.

"This plan is going to be the framework that we use to make and guide decisions for land use," Dixon said.

St. George is already one of the largest cities in the state by population. City leaders project that number could surpass 120,000 people by 2050.

"This plan looks ahead to five, 10, 15, 25 years at how and why and where we want to grow," Mayor Dustin Yates said.

About 700 residents provided input for the plan. Infrastructure and drainage came out as the top two priorities. According to city data, about 43% of St. George sits in a special flood hazard area.

Multiple projects are already underway to improve drainage and roads across the city. Mayor Yates said the plan reflects work the city has already started.

"This is really kind of an affirmation for us of what we've already been doing, so we'll expound on that in the years to come," Yates said.

St. George resident Diane Roche said she is glad to see the city taking action, although she said there is still a lot more work to do.

"I realize they are doing some improvement on the roads and I think it's good and I think it should continue," Roche said. "Take care of the problems that we have."

The plan also includes preserving green space, adding more housing, attracting more businesses, building a walkable city center, and identifying potential locations for new charter schools in partnership with the city.

Before it can take effect, the plan still has to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission next month, go through a public comment period, and receive city council approval.