Guide to Community Planning in Wisconsin by Brian W. Ohm

Chapter 1:  Introduction to Community Planning
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2.3  Attributes of an Effective Plan

As a plan is prepared, it is important to consider its effectiveness. For plans to be effective they must be used. The following are some attributes that increase the likelihood that a plan will be relied upon to shape the future.(6)

Tips for Effective Planning

  1. Involve citizens in the process
  2. Link plan to implementation tools
  3. Be realistic; do not oversell the plan
  4. Periodically review and reassess
  5. Measure progress in meeting objectives
  6. Issue periodic progress reports
  7. Celebrate successes

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(6) These attributes are based on Attributes of Effective Plans, by Gene Bunnell, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Extension Report 97-3 (1997).