"Community development planning – includes the formulation of broad-ranging visions, objectives and actions to achieve social, economic and environmental sustainability and habitability of the community and guides future community development."

Community Planning & Development

Community Planning

Community Planning is a process by which organizations who provide public services, business and voluntary groups and local communities work together to improve people's lives. Planning can ensure ongoing attention and consideration to safety and social objectives; it can enhance the ability of citizens to gain better access to decision-making systems and to have their concerns heard; and, can work to ensure involvement of all sectors of the community in the work for change.

A strong community development plan is key to building a better future for your town or county. It helps local governments set goals, improve services, and create a place where people want to live, work, and visit.

Whether you're focusing on economic growth, better infrastructure, or stronger public services, a well-thought-out plan makes all the difference.

What Is a Community Development Plan?
A community development plan is a roadmap for how a town or city will grow and improve. It outlines key goals, such as bettering public spaces, supporting local businesses, enhancing resident engagement, and strengthening public services.

This plan helps local leaders stay organized and ensures that resources are used wisely. It also gives residents a clear understanding of how their community is evolving.

Step 1: Define Your Community's Needs
Before creating a community development plan, you need to understand what your community needs most. Some towns may struggle to keep up with business growth, while others need more resident engagement or updated public buildings. Start by surveying residents, reviewing local data, and meeting with key stakeholders. Population growth trends and economic development patterns can also offer insight into areas that need attention. The more input you gather, the more effective your plan will be.

Step 2: Set Clear Goals and Priorities
Once you understand your community's needs, the next step is setting clear and achievable goals. Instead of a vague objective like "improve permit process," be specific: "Digitize a permit process and post a digital permit application on the city website within one year."

Setting realistic timelines and measurable milestones will help keep your projects on track. Focus on initiatives that bring the most value to your community, whether it's upgrading infrastructure, revitalizing downtown areas, or expanding public services.

Step 3: Plan for Funding and Resources
Even the best plans need funding to succeed. Local governments often rely on a mix of grants, state funding, public-private partnerships, and local budget allocations to bring projects to life.

Creating a detailed budget will help you identify gaps in funding and explore additional resources.

Step 4: Get Community Support
A successful plan doesn't just involve government officials, it should include residents, businesses, and local organizations. The more people who understand and support the plan, the easier it will be to secure funding and approval for projects.

Holding public meetings, gathering feedback through online surveys, and keeping citizens updated with newsletters or social media posts can all help build engagement. Transparency and communication will ensure your community stays involved throughout the planning process.

Step 5: Implement and Track Progress
Once your community development plan is in motion, regularly tracking progress is essential. Set key milestones to measure success and adjust the plan if new challenges arise.