Those engaging in a new planning process should understand two things. First, there is no one exact way to plan. Second, the planning process is not linear. The process is a series of interrelated steps which together result in the plan. Each successive step builds on previously completed ones. But, feedback considerations may require going through portions of some steps several times and making adjustments in others.

Although communities differ and no single way to plan exists, there are, nonetheless, several established planning techniques that are informative for all communities just beginning to plan or just beginning a new round. These techniques can guide a community through what may seem like a difficult and complex process with relative ease.

The following discussion briefly explores some of these techniques. It includes: ideas for citizen participation; selecting an approach to planning; collecting and analyzing data; defining community goals and objectives; evaluating alternatives; developing and adopting the plan; and implementing and evaluating the plan.