2.2.5  Evaluation of Alternatives

After defining the goals and objectives of the community, the next step is to develop and evaluate several alternative ways to achieve the goals and objectives. A variety of approaches to solving existing problems should also be considered. These alternatives and their predicted impacts provide the community with options for both accommodating and instigating change.

Evaluation of the alternatives focuses on their physical and financial impact on the community and the prospects for developing strategies that could feasibly implement them. The evaluation should also be the focus of public review and discussion.

After examining the implications of each alternative, the next step is to select the one alternative that provides the best combination of creating positive future conditions and solving current problems. Often the alternative selected may be a combination of the various alternatives examined.