The Planning Process
Community Master Planning Process
Simply stated, the master planning process involves performing an assessment
of existing conditions in the community, which are then compared against
the community’s expressed vision and goals for the future of their
city. The juxtaposition of these two elements then leads to the identification
of opportunities for accomplishing community goals. It is a very user-intensive
process wherein the planner serves as a conduit through which community
goals are transformed into concrete and achievable projects, programs
and policies.
A fundamental assumption imbedded within the process is the commitment
of the local community or user group to participate in the planning process.
In essence, the master plan process requires that a partnership of trust
and honesty be established between the planners and the community. Participants
generally fall into one of three important categories:
- The citizenry, or members of the community.
- The project “owner” or community leadership. An elected official such as mayor or governor, a board of directors, a CEO, or a governing body can carry out this role.
- The professional consulting entity or other professional entity.
Each entity has a vital role to play, and actions by one partner are often required so that the other may proceed to subsequent steps in the process.
The Master Planning Process proceeds through four phases. Although distinct,
sometimes the phases overlap. The phases are:
Phase I - Inventory, Assessment, and Goals
In this phase the existing conditions are inventoried, mapped and assessed
to establish a starting point. In essence, the planners construct a portrait
of the community, as it exists today, so that realistic decisions can
be made about the future. The assessment provides an evaluation of the
existing conditions when compared to: other successful communities, best
planning practices, regional influences, and future trends. Visioning
and Goal setting requires meaningful community participation. Community
ideas are gathered at open community meetings, interviews, and via an
interactive web site established for this purpose. Of vital importance,
the identified vision and goals will be used to guide the direction and
emphasis of the rest of the master planning process.
Phase II - Analysis, Synthesis, and Preliminary Plan
In this phase, the vision and goals are combined with the assessment of
existing conditions to identify opportunities, problem areas, and issues
that need to be addressed in the master plan. This leads to summary mapping
and delineation of alternative futures for the community. When community
consensus is achieved, a draft master plan is mapped for review.
Phase III - Implementation Strategies and Final Plan
In the end, a plan is only as good as its execution. This phase is focused
upon identifying strategies for implementing plan recommendations. Areas
of focus that are broadly applicable to community needs are identified.
Design schematics and graphics are developed to illustrate desired outcomes,
attract funding opportunities and inspire community investment. Recommended
design guidelines and community standards are tested and reviewed for
community approval before being incorporated into the final master plan.
Phase IV - Plan Implementation and Evaluation
In the final phase, the planner’s work decreases while the community’s
work must increase. Getting organized, setting priorities and sequences,
and managing the implementation are assisted by consultants but must be
driven by community commitment. In the RAMP process, this phase will also
be enhanced by the RAMP website which will provide ongoing monitoring
of the implementation process.
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