Guide to Community Planning in Wisconsin by Brian W. Ohm

Chapter 2:  Types of Plans & Overview of Implementation Tools
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2.10 Fiscal Tools

2.10.1  Capital Improvements Program

The capital improvements program (88)  is a way of implementing issues related to capital facilities specified in a plan. Capital improvements are those projects which require the expenditure of public funds for the acquisition, construction, or replacement of various public buildings such as police and fire halls, schools, and city/village/town halls; roads and highways; water and sewer facilities; and parks and open space.

A capital improvements program is a listing of proposed public projects according to a schedule of priorities over the next few years, usually a four-to six-year programming period. The program allows local communities to plan for capital expenditures and minimize unplanned expenses. Sources of funding for capital improvements include impact fees, subdivision requirements, special assessments, and revenue or general obligation bonding.

The usefulness of the capital improvement program depends upon the community properly budgeting for expenditures as part of the community's annual capital improvements budget. The capital improvement program should be updated annually.

Capital improvement programming and staging can have a substantial effect on land values and the pattern of growth and development.

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(88) For additional information on capital improvement programming see Developing a Capital Improvement Plan and Budget by Doeksen, Eilrich and Frye (University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension, Local Government Center and the Center for Community Economic Development, 1995); and Capital Improvement Programs, by Robert A. Bowyer. (American Planning Association Planners Press--Planning Advisory Service Report Number 442, 1993).