Louisiana Municipal Review

Louisiana Municipal Association publication
July 2009
Author: Patrick Moore
Article Text:

Planning for community progress and economic viability

Across Louisiana, downtowns are coming back, pedestrian trails are a new priority, and traditional neighborhood developments are on the rise. More municipal leaders see the connection between quality of life and long-term prosperity, and many have brought master planning processes to their cities and towns. The enthusiasm stems in part from the Louisiana Speaks Regional Plan, which raised our collective expectations about how sustainable design can impact a community’s economic viability. Now, interest in planning is set to expand further as recovery funding for Hurricanes Ike and Gustav and the federal stimulus package provide more opportunities to improve the built environment. But while a master plan can call for a pedestrian- friendly streetscape, a new town square, tranquil bike trails, or a signature park, completing such projects can be overwhelming, especially since so many local governments work under staff and budget constraints. A few tips can ensure that municipalities invest in outcome-driven plans that make good business sense and include a clear path toward implementation.

When engaging in a master planning process, keep in mind these six guiding principles:

1. Participation. The public must “own” a
master plan in order for it to come to fruition.
Provide opportunities for participation through
well-run community meetings or easy-to-use
websites. You know your plan is off to a good
start if it successfully converts what the community
has expressed into appealing design
elements, sustainable programs, and equitable
policies.

2. Expectations. From the beginning, don’t
over-promise. The elements described in a
master plan won’t happen overnight, and it’s
important the public understands this early.
The community’s continued support and interest
is crucial along the way, so incorporate a
strong communication strategy to keep constituents
informed and engaged.

3. Infrastructure. Understanding your current
infrastructure is absolutely essential if you
want to create a greener city, attract potential
investment, and stay on schedule. Ask your
planner what will be required to ensure new
projects tie in correctly with existing transportation
and sanitary sewer systems.
Consider adding a thorough digital infrastructure
mapping program to the planning process.

4. Implementation. Be sure the plan has a
built-in implementation strategy that prioritizes
projects into short, medium, and longterm
goals in transparent fashion. A good decision-
making matrix weighs each project’s
return-on-investment, its ability to attract ancillary
projects, and whether it meets
the community’s vision.

5. Management. Identify early who will manage the plan’s
short, medium, and long-term goals. A lack of
staff may make this particularly challenging
for some cities, but responsibilities should be
delineated for the plan to stay front and center.

6. Resource Development. Understand clearly
how to supplement local funds with state,
federal, nonprofit, and private resources. Be
sure your plan includes strong data that can
help you articulate your case.

Remember, community master plans can go in one of two directions. With the right steps, they can transform a community. Without them, they are at risk of becoming “studies” that wither on the vine. Ensure your planning process is wired for action and that your community’s hard work and investment translates into well-deserved tangible results. Good luck!

Click here to see the article as a pdf.