The key to the success of any Blueprints community planning process is the continuous and vigorous involvement of all local stakeholders. A local advocacy organization or a group of local officials generally sponsors the initiative and helps build support within the community. Planning efforts that bring together coalitions of diverse interests and are committed to citizen participation in decision-making are the most successful in obtaining the necessary buy-in to move forward to implement the goals and strategies developed through the process. Step One: The Blueprints process is modified to fit the varying circumstances in each community. The first step in the process, however, is usually an invitation to the Blueprints program from within the local community. Once Blueprints staff and local community leaders determine that Blueprints is the right planning tool for the community, a set of local community stakeholders is assembled and agrees to work within the Blueprints Principles: - Maintain and enhance quality of life for residents of the community
- Employ regional strategies for transportation, land use, and economic growth
- Consider the effect of the built environment on the natural environment as well as history and culture Employ efficient land uses
Step Two: Blueprints staff assembles the local stakeholders and facilitates issue-identification for the community. Local property owners, elected officials, business persons, and other leaders tell the Blueprint staff what is important to them and to their particular community. Step Three: Blueprints staff and other professionals, specialists, and researchers educate participants on planning alternatives, current research, and case studies from other communities. Step Four: Blueprints staff facilitates agreement between participants on the best planning strategies for the community. Step Five: Communities might elect to hold an educational symposium, workshop, or other implementation mechanism at the end of the Blueprints process. |
