CITY OF THORNTON CITY MANAGER S OFFICE A G E N D A Planning Session Police Department Training Room May 17, 2018 5:30 p.m. 1. Comprehensive Plan Rewrite Visioning (Estimated 175 Minutes) Updated 5/10/18
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PLANNING SESSION COMMUNICATION PAGE 2 BACKGROUND (ANALYSIS/NEXT STEPS/HISTORY): (includes previous City Council action) Background The Comprehensive Plan is a vision for what Thornton can be in the future for all aspects ranging from transportation to housing choices and from recreational amenities to employment opportunities. The Comprehensive Plan serves as a long-range guiding document for the City s systems and services and allows for coordination with all of the detailed plans and implementation programs in which the City engages. The Comprehensive Plan is supplemented by subsidiary master plans which address specific topics, for example the Transportation Master Plan, the Parks and Open Space Master Plan, and the area plans, for example the Station Area Master Plans, which focus on a specific geographical area. Meeting Agenda The meeting includes these following elements: Introduction to the consultants. The City has hired the following consultants for the Comprehensive Plan Rewrite: o Collaborative Decision Resources (CDR) for facilitation o Cultivando, for special outreach to the Latino/Hispanic Community o Clarion Associates in conjunction with MIG, and Economic and Planning Systems (EPS) to write the plan itself. Review of the values and vision from the 2007 Comprehensive Plan, which was also shown as the Thornton Vision 2040 discussed at the Council SPC on May 1, 2018. (Attachment A) Overview and discussion of the Comprehensive Plan Engagement and Outreach Strategy. (Attachment B: Community Engagement and Outreach Strategy) Presentation by the consultants on how Comprehensive Plans have evolved and how they are now used more broadly. Discussion on preliminary logo/branding for the plan. It is proposed that the plan be titled Thornton Tomorrow, Together. This encapsulates the idea that the plan is looking to the future and will involve all members of the Thornton Community. Optional logo/branding ideas will be provided at the meeting for review and discussion. Council participation in a visioning exercise and report out. Council Involvement It is anticipated that Council will be involved with the rewrite at the following stages and possibly additional stages of the project. Orientation, setting the charge and identification of citizen committees - First Quarter 2018 Council update and confirmation of direction after visioning stage - Fall 2018 Council update and confirmation of direction at plan alternative stage - First Quarter 2019
PLANNING SESSION COMMUNICATION PAGE 3 Council update and confirmation of direction at draft plan stage - Mid 2019 Council review of final draft document - Summer 2019 Public hearing for consideration of plan - Fall 2019 Comprehensive Plan History City Council adopted the first Comprehensive Plan in 1975 and three major updates have occurred since that time: 1975 Comprehensive Plan adopted March 10, 1975 1985 Comprehensive Plan update adopted October 14, 1985 1997 Comprehensive Plan update adopted December 1, 1997 2007 Comprehensive Plan update adopted September 11, 2007 The 2012 Comprehensive Plan, which was a minor technical update of the 2007 Comprehensive Plan, was adopted by Council on September 11, 2012. On February 16, 2016, staff made a presentation to Council with an introduction and background information on the rewrite of the Comprehensive Plan process. At that time, Council gave direction to go ahead with the two components of the planning process, Visioning Exercise and Technical Document Update. On December 19, 2017, staff recapped briefly the introduction and background to the Comprehensive Plan Rewrite and described to Council the process that has started in 2018. Originally, the rewrite was scheduled for 2016/2017, but it was rescheduled to 2018/2019 to allow for the new Council to be in place to provide direction for the whole process.
City of Thornton Comprehensive Plan Rewrite Thornton Tomorrow, Together City Council Planning Session May 17, 2018
Agenda Welcome and Introductions Process Overview/Goals for this Meeting Preliminary Logo/Branding Review Thornton Together, Tomorrow Council Visioning Exercise and Report Out Next Steps
PROCESS OVERVIEW/ GOALS FOR THIS MEETING
Comprehensive Plan Rewrite Process April May 2018 May Dec. 2018 1. Project Start-up/Issue Identification 2. Vision and Values UNDERWAY Sept. 2018 Feb. 2019 March June 2019 3. Land Use Scenarios/ Key Policy Choices 4. Draft Plan/Implementation Strategies July Sept 2019 5. Final Plan/Adoption
We value 2007 Comprehensive Plan Value Statements 1. Families and children; the diversity of our residents 2. The sense of pride in our community 3. Planned growth as part of a dynamic community 4. Safety and security in our homes, schools and neighborhoods 5. Well planned roadways and trails that allow us to easily move about our daily lives 6. Open space, clean water, recreation, arts and culture, clean air and entertainment 7. Partnership with other governments, businesses, and educational institutions 8. Economic development and a stable tax base 9. Jobs that meet the diversity of our population 10. Our location and wish to take advantage of major thoroughfares that provide unique development opportunities
2007 Comprehensive Plan Vision Major Themes: Neighborhood Stability Balanced Growth and Development Quality of Life Mobility Choice
Thornton Vision 2040 a well-planned, self-sustaining community 1. Diverse neighborhoods safe, pride, sense of belonging 2. Broad range of services 3. Multi-modal transportation system 4. Healthy, high quality of life recreation, cultural, gathering places 5. Engages its citizens, businesses, and education communities 6. Stable, diverse economic base 7. Values the environment and protects its resources
Community Engagement and Involvement will include: Outreach Strategy City Government - City staff/technical group, City Boards and Commissions Community - Large community meetings, community Think Tank, community groups, (including Latino/Spanish speaking groups), seniors/active adults, youth Social and Community Organizations - Faith based, Senior Hub, Clinica Business/Commercial - Business Owners (large and small businesses, key employers), HBA, key property owners and developers Regional/Government - RTD, DRCOG, Tri-County Health, Library, School Districts Utility Companies
Community Engagement and Engagement methods will include: Festivals (Thorntonfest, Harvest Fest) Interviews Small focus group meetings and facilitated discussions Social media, videos Survey Monkey, informal surveys, interactive website tools Innovative outreach e.g. kiosks at rec centers, Living Wall to post ideas, Meeting in a Box and Moving Meetings Large community meetings Outreach Strategy
TODAY S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: WHAT S DIFFERENT?
What Role Does The Plan Play? Statutory Requirements Metro Vision Comprehensive Plan Community Vision Sub Area Plans Capital Budget Regulations Other Actions Capital Projects Building Code Subdivision Code Land Use Code Permits Supporting Plans and Programs
Traditional Planning Assumptions Past foretells future growth projections Adjust plans every 5 to 10 years land use, transportation, & public facilities All else remains relatively stable: Climate conditions Economy Housing Ecosystems Energy supply Human health Land use/transportation Natural hazards Technology Water resources Trends Population Projections Economic Projections Space Land use needs Transportation needs Facilities Water & energy demand Public facilities demand
New Realities Future is evolving & uncertain growth/decline must be monitored Plans respond to change strategically as evidence demands Sources of instability include linkages among: Climate conditions Economy/Housing Ecosystems Energy supply Human health Land use/transportation Natural hazards Technology Water resources Health/Equity Food access Transportation Climate Energy Economy Housing Land use Water Ecosystems
How are Today s Comprehensive Plans Responding to these Challenges? Expanded range of policy considerations Emphasis on cross-cutting issues Planning/operational linkages Linking policy and outcomes
Expanded Range of Policy Considerations Traditional Plans Community Facilities and Infrastructure Economic Development Environmental Hazards Historic and Cultural Resources Housing and Neighborhoods Land Use and Growth Natural Resources Parks & Open Space Transportation Today s Plans Access to Services Climate Adaptation Community Health & Wellness Emerging Technologies Energy Food Production & Security Housing Attainability Equity & Inclusion Resilience Sustainability
Emphasis on Cross-Cutting Issues... Example: Longmont 2003 Comprehensive Plan 2016 Comprehensive Plan
Planning/Operational Linkages Example: Fort Collins Comprehensive Plan Chapters (7 Outcome Areas) Strategic Plan Budgeting for Outcomes Process
Linking Policy and Outcomes Example: Community Dashboard (City of Fort Collins)
Linking Policy and Outcomes Example: Community Dashboard (City of Fort Collins)
Opportunities for Thornton s Comprehensive Plan Rewrite Process Stronger link to the community Expanded focus on sustainability and resilience Clear alignment with City Council priorities Guide future buildout of the City More detailed policy guidance to guide day-to-day decision-making Emphasis on implementation More flexible plan that remains relevant even as the world around us changes
PRELIMINARY LOGO/ BRANDING REVIEW
VISIONING EXERCISE
Green Thornton Green infrastructure/natural drainage Greenway trails/nature access Buffered bike lanes Solar panels
Destination Activities and Entertainment Options Farmer s market Ice skating rink Community pool Outdoor recreation Movies in the park
Quality Neighborhoods Access to parks Community spaces with eyes on the street Shared community assets Community events and gatherings Trees and vegetation
Equity and Inclusion Wheelchair accessibility Multi-lingual signage and displays Universal design Community made art Multi-cultural art Universal access play
Walk and Bike Opportunities Multi-use paths with underpasses Bike and pedestrian friendly crossings Clearly marked walk and bike lanes Multi-use greenway trails
Plentiful, High Quality Jobs and Educational Opportunities Early childhood education Medical/research campus Medical campus High tech campus Community college
Sense of Community and Identity Historic/iconic buildings Entry gateways and art Wayfinding Iconic public art Community events and festivals Entry gateways and signage
Safe and Healthy Community Public safety employees Greenspace and exercise opportunities Traffic calming and safe crossings Well lit public spaces Healthy/fresh food access
NEXT STEPS
ATTACHMENT A 2007 Comprehensive Plan Value Statements 1. We value families and children; the diversity of our residents 2. We value the sense of pride in our community 3. We value planned growth as part of a dynamic community 4. We value safety and security in our homes, schools and neighborhoods 5. We value well planned roadways and trails that allow us to easily move about our daily lives 6. We value open space, clean water, recreation, arts and culture, clean air and entertainment 7. We value partnership with other governments, businesses and educational institutions 8. We value economic development and a stable tax base 9. We value jobs that meet the diversity of our population 10. We value our location and wish to take advantage of major thoroughfares that provide unique development opportunities 2007 Comprehensive Plan Vision A City of Quality and Diverse Neighborhoods A City of Plentiful Quality Jobs A City of Great Amenities A City of Active and Engaged partnerships Thornton Vision 2040 a well-planned, self-sustaining community 1. diverse neighborhoods safe, pride, sense of belonging 2. broad range of services 3. multi-modal transportation system 4. healthy, high quality of life recreation, cultural, gathering places 5. engages its citizens, businesses, and education communities 6. stable, diverse economic base 7. values the environment and protects its resources
ATTACHMENT B COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REWRITE: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH STRATEGY Community engagement and outreach will occur for each of the two phases, visioning and the plan document rewrite. The visioning phase involves a broader outreach over a shorter period of time. The plan document rewrite outreach will involve focused input at three stages of the planning process. Involvement will include: City Government - City staff/technical group, City Boards and Commissions Community - Large community meetings, community Think Tank, community groups, (including Latino/Spanish speaking groups), seniors/active adults, youth Social and Community Organizations - Faith based, Senior Hub, Clinica Business/Commercial - Business Owners (large and small businesses, key employers), HBA, key property owners and developers Regional/Government - RTD, DRCOG, Tri-County Health, Library, School Districts Utility Companies (primarily second phase) Engagement methods that will be used include: Large community meetings Festivals (Thorntonfest, Harvest Fest) Interviews Small focus group meetings and facilitated discussions Social media, videos Survey Monkey, informal surveys, interactive website tools Innovative outreach e.g. Kiosks at Rec centers, Living Wall to post ideas, Meeting in a Box and Moving Meetings.
ATTACHMENT C COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REWRITE SCHEDULE Election Election DEC 2018 APRIL JULY SEPT 2019 APRIL JULY SEPT 2020 INITIATE PROJECT SCOPE OF WORK complete RFP PROCESS & HIRE CONSULTANTS complete COUNCIL ESTABLISH VALUES DATA GATHERING ESTABLISH VISION VISIONING OUTREACH CREATE VISIONING DOCUMENT & VIDEO PLAN CREATION COMMUNITY OUTREACH SCENARIOS AND KEY ISSUES PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE AND KEY POLICIES POLICY IMPLEMENTATION DOCUMENT PRODUCTION AND ADOPTION DOCUMENT PRODUCTION AND REVIEW FINAL APPROVAL City Council Current status 4/26/2018