Elements of the 
     Planning Process *

Each element is defined as a compilation of objectives, policies, goals, maps and programs of the local government:

Agriculture:  For the conservation and promotion of the effective management of productive agricultural areas.

Natural Resources:  For the conservation and promotion of the effective management of natural resources including groundwater, forests, threatened and endangered species, stream corridors, wetlands, wildlife habitat, mineral resources, recreational resources, etc..

Land Use:  To guide the future development and redevelopment of public and private property.

Housing:  To provide an adequate housing supply that meets housing demand.  The demand should meet the needs of persons of all income levels, age groups and special needs.

Cultural Resources:  For the conservation and promotion of the effective management of historical and cultural resources.

Transportation:  To guide the future development of transportation modes, including highways, mass transit, bicycles, walking, railroads, air and water transportation.

Utilities & community facilities:  To guide the future development of utilities and community facilities such as water supply, solid waste disposal, parks, transmission lines, police, schools, etc..

Economic Development:  To promote the stabilization, retention or expansion of the economic base and quality employment opportunities.

Intergovernmental Cooperation:  For joint planning and decision-making with other jurisdictions, for the siting and building of public facilities and shared public services.

* Based on requirements for the new "Smart Growth" law.

Contents of a Local Comprehensive 
Plan:  A Checklist

Some Key Points about Wisconsin's 
new "Smart Growth Legislation"

Steps of the 
     Planning Process:*

Considering all Elements Simultaneously:

1.   Public Participation: involving citizens & other interested parties

• Public Participation:  citizens, planning commissions, agencies

• Pre-Planning:  types of plans & planning approaches, assistance, planning to plan

2.   Determine Goals:

• "Big Picture" Issues & Goals:  deciding on issues and general goals, Smart Growth Law requirements

For Each Element:

• Goals for Each Element: public opinion, resource goals

3.   Inventory Conditions:

• Resources:  data needs, available data, collecting additional data

• Current Plan:  what does it say, where was it implemented, how have things changed

• Other Plans: examples

4.   Analyze Trends:  uncovering and analyzing trends and projections

5.   Form Options:  alternative ways for reaching goals, selecting the best sites, considering enforceability of options

6.   Assess Impacts:  direct and indirect impacts from alternative actions including:  fiscal, environmental, socio-economic, traffic

Considering all Elements Simultaneously:

7.   Develop Plan:

• Prioritizing Among Options:  choosing among alternatives, allocation

• Writing and Adopting the Plan:  effective plans, Smart Growth Law, adoption requirements

8.   Implement Plan:  general implementation tools, education vs. enforcement, zoning

For Each Element:

9.   Monitor Plan:  setting up a monitoring program for goals & policies

Considering all Elements Simultaneously:

10. Update Plan:  update vs. new plan, examples

*  Based on "Guide to Community Planning in Wisconsin" by Brian W. Ohm