What is a comprehensive plan?
A comprehensive plan is a written document identifying goals, policies, and strategies for the growth and development of a community. The plan reflects community values and provides a guide for making land use changes, planning capital improvement programs, and directing future growth.
Comprehensive plans often address the topics of land use; economic development; neighborhood vitality; urban design; infrastructure and transportation; parks, open space, and the environment; and special districts within the city. Most importantly, the plan should address those opportunities and issues that will affect the city's growth, development, and vitality in the future.
Doesn't Garland have a comprehensive plan already?
Yes, Garland has had comprehensive plans for decades. The most recent comprehensive plan, a set of five sector plans that divided the city geographically, was initiated in the mid-1980s and updated periodically since that time. However, over time conditions, concerns, and opportunities change, and the comprehensive plan will be updated to reflect those changes. Envision Garland will reflect those changes and replace the five sector plans with one master plan for the city.
Can I be involved?
Yes, and you are encouraged to do so! Residents, business owners, property owners, and other Garland interests are invited to participate in Envision Garland. Public input into the planning process is essential. Visit the Get Involved page for information on upcoming meetings and other ways to have your voice heard.
October is National Community Planning Month
How do you get to work or school? Where do you live? Where do you shop? Many citizens do not realize that these decisions are all impacted by planning.
October has been designated National Community Planning Month by the American Planning Association (APA) as a way to highlight the role of planners and planning in our community. Planners play a vital role in creating sustainable and environmentally-friendly communities - from how you commute to the parks you enjoy.
The month-long celebration is an opportunity to recognize how planning shapes Garland, including the work of planners and the planning profession in creating communities of lasting value. Read more about planning in Garland.
Planning is the process of envisioning, mapping, or otherwise conceiving how a community will look, grow, and define itself - its characteristics, attributes, and identity. Planning also strives to give residents choices, from the type of home an individual lives in to how an individual gets around. Planning helps ensure communities address the needs of everyone.
For more information on community planning, visit the American Planning Association's website at www.planning.org.