There are many ways for Prescott residents to get involved and help shape the policies that impact this community. One of the most significant avenues for residents to actively participate and influence policies affecting the future of our city is by getting involved with the Prescott General Plan process. If you want to learn about the priorities and essential elements that make up a city or town, read its general plan and you will find the answers. The Prescott General Plan is important for many reasons as it is used to assist the City Council in prioritizing budget and capital fund allocations and to measure the direction of development trends in the community.
On Nov. 4, voters will decide whether to approve an update to the Prescott General Plan. The General Plan is an expression of a community’s preferred future. The vision of the General Plan creates the foundation for future decisions on issues such as land use, circulation, open space, growth areas, environmental planning, cost of development and water resources. These issues join together to shape Prescott’s future economic development and community quality.
Updating the General Plan for voter consideration is a lengthy and inclusive process with a long-term focus. General Plan updates do not happen frequently; generally, every 10 years. The last time Prescott voters updated it was in 2003. The current update for the Nov. 4 ballot process began in 2011 with the development of a Public Participation Plan and formation of a 13-member citizen committee to oversee its progression.
The goal of the Public Participation Plan has been to gather input from as many residents as possible. A public input survey and many public plan drafting meetings have been advertised on TV and radio, and in newspapers to encourage widespread and diverse participation. All of the public responses and suggestions have been reviewed by the citizen committee and most of them have been integrated into the draft plan.
The General Plan Committee’s draft update is currently under review by City staff and the public hearings will be wrapping up in May. Once the public hearings are completed, the City Council must approve the proposed General Plan update by resolution in May in order for it to be placed on the ballot for voter consideration.
This plan is a reflection of our priorities and what we value most in our community. The vision of Prescott as described in the General Plan is to maintain our unique image as a deeply rooted city, but one moving dynamically into the future.
The City encourages everyone to read the Prescott General Plan and the draft update on our website at www.cityofprescott.net (click General Plan tab). There is information about the public process, meeting schedule and timeline, a copy of the General Plan and the update that is under consideration for the Nov. 4 ballot. QCBN
Pete Wertheim is the communications and public affairs manager for the City of Prescott.
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