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Case Study: Local Government Planning & Zoning
Introduction
This case study examines the city of Erlanger, Kentucky, and its comprehensive plan. A comprehensive plan is a crucial tool for local governments to ensure that they are providing sustainable and equitable growth for their communities. This paper will describe the local government comprehensive planning process, the necessary elements of a comprehensive plan, primary stakeholders, factors influencing comprehensive plan development, and a biblical viewpoint concerning planning.
Local Government Comprehensive Planning Process
The local government comprehensive planning process is a long-term strategic plan for a city or county's future development. The process typically involves multiple stages, including data collection, analysis, and community engagement. The local government will collect data on demographics, land use, and infrastructure to understand the community's current conditions and project future trends. This information is used to create a vision for the community's future that is sustainable, equitable, and reflects the community's values. It is in keeping with the biblical principle of Proverbs 21:5: The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. In the context of comprehensive planning, this verse highlights the need for local governments to carefully consider the implications of their decisions and engage in diligent planning. Rushing through the planning process or failing to adequately prepare can lead to negative consequences, including unsustainable growth, inequitable development, and economic hardship.
Thus, in keeping with the spirit of the Bible, one could argue that the purpose of the comprehensive planning process is to provide a framework for decision-making that promotes the community's economic, social, and environmental health as well as its spiritual health. After all, communities with strong social connections tend to have higher levels of civic engagement, volunteerism, and philanthropy, which can contribute to a sense of purpose and meaning in life (Wang & Graddy, 2008). The plan can guide land use, transportation, and infrastructure decisions to ensure that growth is balanced and does not negatively impact the community's quality of life. The comprehensive plan is used to provide direction for zoning decisions, capital improvements, and other policy decisions.
The impacts of comprehensive planning are significant and far-reaching. It can influence the built environment, impact the economy, and shape social equity (Meerow et al., 2019). Comprehensive planning can ensure that growth is sustainable and does not overburden existing infrastructure or negatively impact the environment. Additionally, comprehensive planning can promote social equity by ensuring that all members of the community have access to necessary resources, such as affordable housing and transportation.
The comprehensive planning process in Erlanger is guided by a set of principles, which include sustainability, equity, and engagement. These principles are incorporated into each step of the planning process, from data collection and analysis to community input and decision-making.
As in any other local government, the first step in the planning process is to gather data and conduct analysis (Pothukuchi, 2004). This includes collecting information on population growth, land use, transportation, and infrastructure. This information is used to identify trends and patterns, as well as to identify areas of need.
Once the data has been collected and analyzed, the next step is to engage the community. This involves holding public meetings, conducting surveys, and soliciting feedback from residents. The input received from the community is used to shape the goals and objectives of the plan.
The next step is to develop a set of goals and objectives. These goals and objectives are based on the data and input gathered from the community. They are used to guide decision-making and ensure that development in Erlanger is sustainable, equitable, and meets the needs of the community.
After the goals and objectives have been established, the next step is to develop strategies to achieve them. These strategies may include zoning changes, transportation improvements, and infrastructure investments. The strategies are evaluated based on their potential impact on the community and the environment.
Once the strategies have been developed, the plan is drafted. The plan includes a set of policies and recommendations that are designed to guide development in Erlanger for the next 20 years. The plan is reviewed by the community and stakeholders, and revisions are made based on feedback received.
Finally, the plan is adopted by the city council. This makes the plan an official policy document that guides decision-making on land use, transportation, and infrastructure. The plan is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains relevant and responsive to the needs of the community.
The comprehensive planning process in Erlanger has several impacts and second-order consequences. One of the main impacts is that it ensures that development in Erlanger is sustainable and meets the needs of the community. This includes protecting natural resources, promoting economic...…Bible has much to say about planning. Proverbs 16:3 states, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." This verse reminds us that it is essential to involve God in our planning and decision-making. We must seek His guidance and wisdom as we make decisions about our communities' future. Likewise, Proverbs 24:27 says, "Prepare your ork outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house." This verse emphasizes the importance of planning and preparation. We must carefully consider the implications of our decisions and prepare for their impact. Finally, Proverbs 19:21 states, "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." This verse reminds us that while we may make plans, ultimately, God is in control. We must trust in His sovereignty and seek His will as we plan for our communities' future. Ultimately, the Bible shows what we are to think about planning and why it matters: God is in charge, and we should acknowledge that. The city of Erlanger used to do just that, but in recent times it has moved away from this acknowledgement as though it were somehow taboo to acknowledge God as the Infinite source of all Good. It takes consideration from all stakeholders in the community but forgets to consider the biggest and greatest stakeholder in all things, which is God Himself, Who is the Creator and Sustainer. To talk about sustainability without talking about God or Gods grace is to really be missing the point of life. Yet political planners often give into trends that go against everyones best interest, just for the sake of political points.
Conclusion
Comprehensive planning is a critical tool for local governments to ensure sustainable, equitable growth for their communities. The planning process involves data collection, analysis, and community engagement, and the plan typically includes several elements, including a land use plan, transportation plan, housing plan, economic development plan, and environmental plan. Primary stakeholders, including elected officials, city or county staff, community organizations, business owners, and residents, are involved in the planning process. Several factors can influence comprehensive plan development, including political will, funding, community engagement, and external factors such as economic and environmental conditions. Finally, a biblical viewpoint on planning emphasizes the importance of involving God in our planning…
References
Berke, P. R., & Conroy, M. M. (2000). Are we planning for sustainable development? Anevaluation of 30 comprehensive plans. Journal of the American planning association, 66(1), 21-33.
Fraser, E. D., Dougill, A. J., Mabee, W. E., Reed, M., & McAlpine, P. (2006). Bottom up and top down: Analysis of participatory processes for sustainability indicator identification as a pathway to community empowerment and sustainable environmentalmanagement. Journal of environmental management, 78(2), 114-127.
Meerow, S., Pajouhesh, P., & Miller, T. R. (2019). Social equity in urban resilienceplanning. Local Environment, 24(9), 793-808.
NKY Thrives. (2020). Retrieved from Environment + Sustainability (nkythrives.com) Pothukuchi, K. (2004). Community food assessment: A first step in planning for communityfood security. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 23(4), 356-377.
Report of Department Operations. (2021). Retrieved from FIRE-EMS-Report-of-Operations-February-2021.pdf (erlangerky.gov)Stringer, L. C., Dougill, A. J., Fraser, E., Hubacek, K., Prell, C., & Reed, M. S. (2006).
Unpacking “participation” in the adaptive management of social–ecological systems: a critical review. Ecology and society, 11(2).
Wang, L., & Graddy, E. (2008). Social capital, volunteering, and charitable giving. Voluntas:International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 19, 23-42.
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