Title
Introduction of PlanCOS Neighborhood Planning Program
Presenters:
Peter Wysocki, Planning and Community Development Director
Carl Schueler, Comprehensive Planning Manager
Body
Summary:
This agenda item introduces the Planning & Community Development Department’s proposed plan of action to re-initiate a systematic neighborhood planning program consistent with the recommendations of PlanCOS. This program would focus on larger sub-areas of the City related to City Council districts, but with attention to the smaller plans and constituent areas of geography within them. Staff proposes to initiate this program with current available Comprehensive Planning Division staff resources augmented with the assistance of other City staff and community partners. Staff recommends piloting this program beginning in the southeastern area of the City.
Background:
PlanCOS recommends a re-instituted Neighborhood Planning Program as one of its key implementation initiatives. A copy of the relevant text describing these recommendations, is attached. Also attached is a one-page document with “talking points” summarizing highlights or the program as currently proposed.
A high level PowerPoint overview will be presented at this Work Session. Key highlights include the following:
• Planning area geography is designed around City Council districts, with each sub-area of the City comprising about one half of a Council district
o This option is recommended from among several geographic options considered.
o These 12 sub-areas of the City would allow for a manageable number of plans, noting that there are about 77 distinct neighborhoods identified in PlanCOS (with an even greater granularity of plans and neighborhood-related organizations within these area, in many cases)
o This approach also supports a Council district-level focus on neighborhood planning and advocacy
o With current staff resources, completion of all twelve plans could require on the order of 12 years. However, not all of the 12 proposed areas would benefit from a plan at this time.
§ Initial focus on more mature and already developed areas
• Replicable plan format and process
o More efficient, predictable, and ultimately more useful
o Better opportunity for alignment with PlanCOS
• Need for sub-area geography and recommendations
o To acknowledge and address existing plans and other boundaries as well as potential new areas of planning focus that will emerge from the process
• Broadly representative steering committee with a manageable number of members.
Previous Council Action:
City Council adopted PlanCOS by Ordinance in January 2019. One of the key PlanCOS implementation initiatives is a recommendation to proactively re-activate City-initiated neighborhood planning.
Financial Implications:
At this time, this program is anticipated to be supported by the Land Use Review budget. (Note: Given its small size, Comprehensive Planning function does not have its own budget or cost center and is part of the larger Land Use Review budget). It is also anticipated some support from other Departments such as Public Works/Traffic/Transit, and Parks will be necessary.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
Staff have briefed Council of Neighbors and Organizations (CONO) staff about this overall proposal and we expect to coordinate with them in the future on relevant aspects of the design and implementation of this process. Representatives of the Housing and Building Association have been apprised about this overall proposal, and they may desire to provide input as the details are further developed.
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
N/A
Summary of Resolution or Ordinance Language
N/A