Local governments make significant investments in comprehensive plans. Yet, too many sit on the proverbial shelf and are not implemented. This workshop will challenge conventional wisdom and showcase innovative planning approaches that create plans that get implemented.

Planners will be challenged to think differently about the content and process of a comprehensive plan with the goal that the plan springboards implementation. The workshop will debunk the myth that PA planning law requires plans to be organized by functional chapters – land use plan, housing plan, etc. It will suggest that work sessions and plan chapters be built around a community’s priority issues – whether revitalizing downtown, fixing a problem road corridor, becoming more walkable, or capitalizing on local history. The session will suggest creating detailed action plans, organizing implementation teams, and making plan implementation part of elected officials’ regular business BEFORE the plan is finished.

The workshop will present research on successful and implementable plans. A Pennsylvania consultant will talk about how his firm used the above approach in two comprehensive plans and what the results
were. He will share lessons learned with the audience.  See the flier for details>>

3.0 CMs approved