Plan making is a three-part process, according to The Practice of
Local Government Planning. The plan making process includes:
correct answer: 1. Goals and visions;
- Analysis of current problems; and
- Creation and evaluation of alternatives.
is used to assist an organization in guiding its future. It sets
goals, objectives, and policies for reaching the set objectives.
This allows an organization to imagine its future while also
understanding the changes in operations needed to achieve the
desired future. It is shorter term, typically for five or fewer
years. correct answer: Strategic Planning
There are eight elements to a strategic plan: correct answer: 1.
Analyze the community or organization’s needs. - Identify results – determine what long-term objectives the city
or organization is going to pursue. - Admit uncertainties – analyze the Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) relating to the objectives. - Involve strategic stakeholders.
- Develop and evaluate alternatives.
- Identify the role of the city.
- Develop a funding policy.
- Evaluate performance.
is a process whereby citizens attend a series of meetings that
provide the opportunity for them to offer input on how the
community could be in the future. Planners use processes to help
citizens develop a conception of the future. Its focus is on the
what the community wants to be rather than looking at existing
conditions. This occurs early in the planning process. The
citizens develop a vision statement, which is then broken down
into themes that represent the consensus of the community’s
goals for the future. Typically has a 20- to 30-year time horizon.
correct answer: Visioning
engages tribal government leads, residents, and businesses in
preparing plans and administering planning processes in support
of the tribal community. Tribal governments develop
comprehensive plans, much like in cities correct answer: Tribal
Planning
is a research method that allows one to collect data on a topic
that cannot be directly observed, such as opinions on downtown
retailing opportunities. Used extensively in planning to assess
attitudes and characteristics of the public on a wide range of
topics.
Typically take a sample of a population correct answer: survey
survey that gathers information about a population at a single
point in time. correct answer: cross-sectional survey
survey that gathers information about a population over a period
of time correct answer: longitudinal surveys
Why would a written survey be used? correct answer: a planner
is trying to obtain information from a broad audience, such as
general opinions about the community. This is a low-cost survey
method that is convenient for participants because they can
complete the survey at their leisure.
What are the disadvantages of mailed written survey? correct
answer: mail surveys have a low response rate, averaging
around 20 percent. A written survey requires the participant to
be able to read and write. For this reason, it may be
inappropriate when targeting seniors, those that do not speak
English, and the illiterate.
are appropriate when there is a specific population that a planner
is trying to target. This form of survey allows a high and quick
response rate. The difficulty with administering this survey is
getting everyone together to complete the survey. One example
would be to survey participants in recreation programming by
asking each person to complete a survey at the end of class. This
survey method requires a small sample size. correct answer:
Group-administered surveys
allows the survey to be dropped off at someone’s residence or
business. Respondents are free to complete the survey at their
convenience. Response rates are higher than with a mail survey
because the person dropping off the survey may have personal
contact with the respondent. This method can be expensive
because of the time required to distribute the surveys. The
sample is generally smaller than with a mail survey. correct
answer: Drop-off survey