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Plan Framework
Vision Statements, Goals, Policies, Projects, Programs, and Partnerships
Using the results of public engagements, the Steering Committee will set the vision and goals of the plan and the Action Teams will then create the policies, programs, projects, and partnerships. Each of these elements are described below with examples. It is important to note that the vision statement, goals, and policies are what the Planning Commission will adopt as part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The projects, programs and actions will be reviewed, but will not be formally adopted to ensure that the plan is a flexible document that can respond to changes over time.
Vision Statements
provide a shared description of what the neighborhood will be in 10 years if the plan is successful. Good vision statements succinctly capture a diverse array of topics and objectives while exciting the reader about the future. The Steering Committee will draft a single vision statement during the early stages of the planning process to guide the rest of the effort.
Example Vision Statement
The neighborhood in 2030 is a model for sustainable and equitable development with active commercial main streets filled with businesses, restaurants, cafes, and ethnic shops owned and operated by our diverse residents and heated by district energy. Shade trees line the streets, birdsong echoes in the clean air, and comfortable sidewalks dotted by bioswales beautify the community and treat its stormwater. Energy efficient homes and community solar make our neighborhood very sustainable and reduce the energy burden of our residents. The community land trust and innovative housing co-ops ensure that everyone has a place in our neighborhood including families that are attracted by our excellent schools.
Goals
Are long-term outcomes the plan will achieve by implementing programs, policies, and projects. They should be aspirational and express the neighborhood’s collective desires and values for each chapter of the plan. Goals should not convey specific quantitative outcomes (e.g., a 25% reduction in single occupancy vehicle trips), but may use more sweeping language that is associated with a number (e.g., No traffic fatalities). The Steering Committee will draft goals for each chapter of the plan. These goals will direct the work of the Action Teams
Example Goal
A. Multi-Generational Neighborhood. Amenities and infrastructure ensure that residents of all ages and abilities feel safe, happy, and fulfilled.
Policies
Set a preferred direction and describe what must be done to achieve the goals. They are specific enough to help determine whether a proposed project or program would advance the values expressed in the goals. Policies are drafted by the Action Teams.
A.1. Infrastructure for All. Ensure that sidewalks, street crossings, paths, and park equipment serve the needs of children, adults, and the elderly and of all abilities.
A.2. Multi-Generational Programs. Create and continually improve activities and programs in parks and on trails and walkways that link residents of all ages and abilities to each other and reinforce a sense of community.
A.3. Mixed-use Opportunities. Ensure there are opportunities for diverse uses within the neighborhood, such as spaces for small businesses and a variety of housing types to serve the needs of families, adults, and the elderly.
Programs
A set of activities that seek to realize a particular long-term aim. A program may be one component of a project, but generally, programs are longer, more complex undertakings. Programs are drafted by Action Teams
Projects
Discrete actions that a list of implementation partners can undertake and complete. As with programs, a small number of lead implementers are identified to push the effort forward, a rough cost to implement is prepared, and a rough timeline is established for when the work should start.
Partnerships
Commitments by organizations to work together to advance an outcome. Partnerships will be part of most programs and projects, but are listed separately here to represent the potential that a planning process would call for better coordination and collaboration between organizations around a specific topic generally and not just on a specific action identified in the plan.
For programs, projects, and partnerships, the level of detail will correspond to the level of discourse and analysis during the Action Team meetings. This work should also be informed by prior neighborhood and citywide plans. An example implementation strategy table is provided on the following page.
Example Implementations
Zone Change
A.3.a
Project
Rezone Elm Street from Urban Industrial to Local Neighborhood Commercial to provide a mixed-use corridor within the neighborhood.
0-2 Years
None needed
- Department of City Planning
- Community-based Organizations
Mentorship Program for District Youth
A.2.a
Program
Establish an after school program within District Elementary School that allows seniors from the community to voluntarily mentor students in grades 6-12.
0-2 Years
- School district
- Children’s foundation
- District after school program
- District senior center
Park Exercise Equipment
A.1.a
Project
Release Request for Solutions for vendors to provide exercise equipment for all ages and abilities. Select most popular options and install in the community park.
0-2 Years
City budget
- City dept. of public works
- Community-based Organizations
Neighborhood Walks for a Purpose
A.2.b
Program
Create program with residents, businesses and the university that organizes weekly walking tours of the neighborhood with each week focusing on a different issue to address, activity, or topic of interest of faculty.
3-5 Years
- Community-based organization Operating funds
- Community-based organization
- Business association
- University
Accessibility Partnerships
A.1.b
Partnership
Create partnerships to ensure that the public right of way is designed and maintained for all users.
3-5 Years
None needed
- District accessibility task force
- Transportation department
- Community-based Organizations
