Creating a Sustainable and Inclusive Community: Top Tips for Establishing an Impactful Community Vision

Establishing a community vision is a critical step in urban planning that sets the tone for the development of the built environment. A well-defined community vision serves as a guide for decision-making, shaping the urban environment and improving the quality of life for residents. In this blog post, we will discuss the top tips to consider when establishing a community vision.

1. Involve the Community

The community is the backbone of any urban development project, and their input is invaluable in creating a vision that truly represents the needs and desires of the people. As an urban planner, it's important to involve the community in the visioning process from the very beginning. This can be done through public meetings, surveys, focus groups, and other forms of engagement. By involving the community, you'll be able to identify the key issues and priorities, as well as build trust and ownership in the vision.

1. Focus on Long-term Goals

When establishing a community vision, it's important to think long-term. A well-defined vision should look beyond the immediate needs of the community and focus on the future. What kind of community do you want to create in the next 10, 20, or 30 years? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? By focusing on long-term goals, you'll be able to create a vision that is both aspirational and achievable.

1. Align with Regional and National Goals

Urban planning doesn't happen in a vacuum. It's important to consider the broader regional and national goals and policies that affect the community. By aligning the community vision with these goals, you'll be able to create a more cohesive and integrated approach to urban planning. This will also help to secure funding and support from regional and national authorities.

1. Be Inclusive

Inclusivity is a crucial aspect of urban planning. A well-defined community vision should be inclusive of all members of the community, regardless of race, gender, age, or socio-economic status. By ensuring that everyone has a voice in the visioning process, you'll be able to create a more equitable and just urban environment that meets the needs of all residents.

1. Focus on Sustainability

Sustainability should be a key consideration when establishing a community vision. As an urban planner, it's important to think about the long-term impacts of urban development on the environment, economy, and social fabric of the community. By incorporating sustainable practices and principles into the vision, you'll be able to create a community that is resilient and able to thrive in the face of future challenges.

Conclusion

Establishing a community vision is a critical step in urban planning that requires careful consideration and planning. By involving the community, focusing on long-term goals, aligning with regional and national goals, being inclusive, and focusing on sustainability, you'll be able to create a vision that truly represents the needs and desires of the community. As urban planners, it's our responsibility to create a better future for our communities, and a well-defined community vision is the first step in achieving that goal.

Mark Koch, MPA MES MCIP RPP

Principal