The Plan defines City policy for economic development, land use, community facilities, housing, sensitive areas, transportation, historic preservation and urban design, and it recommends regulatory changes to achieve those policy goals. All of the elements of the Plan are primarily concerned with three key issues. Which are listed below.

Economic Growth and Development
Hagerstown's economy has been growing slowly but steadily. A major shift from manufacturing activity to services has been under way for several decades, but the City continues to add employment in both sectors. Two primary efforts will focus on retaining existing economic activities and encouraging them to grow within Hagerstown and on attracting small to medium scale industrial and commercial enterprises to the City. In addition, tourism will be promoted as part of a county-wide effort, focusing on the area's transportation history, Civil War resources and historic districts.

Revitalization of the City and Limitation of Suburban Sprawl
A number of policies and programs will be aimed at the redirection of future growth into the urban area. Investments in community facilities and services inside the City will be given the highest priority. Incentives will be identified to bring middle- and upper-income housing back to central areas. Downtown development, redevelopment and improvement will be emphasized. A major policy initiative will establish an Urban Services Area for the City, more limited than Washington County's Urban Growth Area around Hagerstown, that will discourage sprawl and the expansion of urban utilities and services. This Urban Services Area will be implemented through policies on the provision of utility services, zoning and annexation.
Neighborhood Improvement
The Plan is expressed to a great extent in terms of the City's neighborhoods. Neighborhood improvements will not only improve the quality of life for the City's citizens. Improved residential communities will also be an attraction to potential new economic activities here.