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Sustainability in the Master Plan and Zoning Code Webinar: View it Now
by Rena Ragimova
We'd like to extend a huge thank you to those of you who registered and joined ICLEI's Sustainability in the Master Plan and Zoning Code webinar today, led by our Midwest Regional Director, Michael Davidson.
Despite the modern utility of sustainability plans, many communities prefer the time-tested approach of the comprehensive plan. During this webinar, the panel discussed the role of the master plan and zoning code in creating sustainable communities.
If you weren't able to attend, you can still view the webinar and the presentation slides below.
What You'll Learn
- Articulating clear language, goals, and indicators for sustainability
- Aligning sustainability policy planning with code writing
- Designing action-oriented master plans
- Leveraging broad stakeholder engagement for implementation
Understanding Sustainability Planning
Municipal codes are the legal mechanisms by which local governments
implement goals for sustainability. With few exceptions, state statutes
require localities to regulate community development through code
provision. Ideally, zoning code directives originate from
consensus-driven policy planning for land use, transportation, housing,
natural resources, economic development, social equity, culture, and so
on. For many communities, coordinating these efforts is best done
through one overarching policy plan. Master plans (i.e., comprehensive
plans, general plans) are a framework to achieve community goals.
Arranged by topic areas, the plans help stakeholders understand a
community’s vision for itself, set priorities for growth, and create
synergy among its many parts.
Sustainability plans take a
similarly holistic approach—though in a different style. Divided into
three areas, these plans typically address the “three pillars” of
sustainability: environment, economy, and society. Goals for
transportation, land use, housing, culture, and so on, are incorporated
across the pillars. Sustainability plans also address contemporary
issues such as climate change, carbon emissions regulation,
globalization, and energy in greater detail.
Panelists
- Kristi Wamstad-Evans, LEED AP, Sustainability Coordinator, City of Omaha, Nebraska
- Suzanne M. Schulz, AICP, Planning Director, City of Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Justin Carney, Senior Planner, St. Louis County, Missouri, Planning Department, Division of Comprehensive Planning
- Moderator: Michael Davidson, Midwest Regional Director, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, USA
