Principles
Why do we plan?
Comprehensiveplans position a city for long-term success by providing a clear framework fordevelopment and growth. Planning preserves the city's unique historical,cultural, and environmental characteristics by setting clear guidelines thatrespect and enhance these elements. Land is one of any city’s most preciousresources. Planning helps manage land use, encouraging a harmonious blend ofresidential, commercial, industrial, and public spaces. Planning also involvesenvironmental sustainability practices to protect natural habitats and reducepollution. These plans foster a shared vision for the future by involvingcommunity input.
Who do we plan for?
Weplan for current and future residents, businesses, and stakeholders of thecity. Planning aims to meet the needs of families, workers, and entrepreneursby creating a livable, vibrant, and sustainable environment. It ensures thatinfrastructure, public services, and amenities are in place to support thewell-being and economic prosperity of the community. Additionally, planningconsiders the needs of future generations, aiming to preserve natural resourcesand maintain the city's unique character and heritage. By engaging a broadspectrum of the community in the planning process, cities can ensure thatdiverse perspectives are considered, fostering an inclusive environment thatbenefits everyone and fosters a sense of community.
What outcome are we looking for?
Asresidents and business owners, this plan is not just for you, this plan is yours. We want our plans to reflect the needs and aspirations ofthe people who live, work, and play in Bainbridge, reinforcing your role inshaping the future of our city.
What do we do with the Plan?
Aftera year and a half of preparation, including many rounds of community input andrevisions, the plan will be presented to the Bainbridge Plan Commission forapproval and official adoption. After adoption, the plan will serve as a guidefor future development in Bainbridge. The implementation section, inparticular, will be very important to put the plan in action and bringcommunity visioning to a reality.
How can we collaborate?
Residentscan play a proactive role in shaping the development and character of theircommunities, ensuring that local planning efforts reflect their collectiveneeds and aspirations. Public meetings held by city councils, planningcommissions, and neighborhood associations are public forums where residentscan stay informed and actively participate in Bainbridge's developmentdiscussions. Public meetings and workshops for BainbridgeTomorrow provide opportunities to express concerns and suggestionsdirectly related to specific DCA-defined study elements.
The BainbridgeTomorrow website allows residents to review planning materials,participate in surveys, and participate in community visioning sessions.Residents can also utilize public comment periods to provide input on plans andrecommendations.
Residentswho want to be more directly involved may consider becoming active in communityadvisory boards and local neighborhood associations that work closely withlocal government on planning issues.
Communityevents such as town halls, block parties, or neighborhood clean-ups can serveas informal yet effective venues for discussing planning matters and buildingconsensus. Volunteering for local initiatives helps build stronger communityties and provides valuable insights into local needs and priorities.
Partneringwith local nonprofits and advocacy groups can enhance advocacy efforts onissues like affordable housing, environmental conservation, and transportation.Staying informed about local planning issues through newsletters, local news,and community bulletins is another option.
Participatorybudgeting, where residents help decide the allocation of public funds, directlyinfluences planning and development projects.
We allmust advocate for inclusive planning practices that ensure diverse voices,especially from underrepresented groups, are heard.