1 Inventory and analysis

The first step in planning for public facilities and services is to inventory and analyze the existing conditions, capacities, demands, and deficiencies of the infrastructure and service systems. This involves collecting and reviewing data, maps, reports, standards, and policies related to the physical, operational, and financial aspects of the public facilities and services. The inventory and analysis should also identify the current and projected service areas, population, growth trends, service levels, and performance indicators of the public facilities and services.

2 Goals and objectives

The second step in planning for public facilities and services is to establish the goals and objectives that reflect the community's vision, values, and priorities for the provision and maintenance of the public facilities and services. The goals and objectives should be clear, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, and should address the needs, gaps, opportunities, and challenges of the public facilities and services. The goals and objectives should also be consistent with the other elements of the comprehensive plan, such as land use, transportation, housing, and environment.

3 Policies and strategies

The third step in planning for public facilities and services is to develop the policies and strategies that guide the decision-making and implementation of the public facilities and services. The policies and strategies should be based on the inventory and analysis, and the goals and objectives, and should provide direction and criteria for the location, design, operation, maintenance, funding, and coordination of the public facilities and services. The policies and strategies should also address the potential impacts, benefits, and trade-offs of the public facilities and services on the community's health, safety, equity, quality of life, and environment.

4 Capital improvement program

The fourth step in planning for public facilities and services is to prepare a capital improvement program (CIP) that prioritizes and schedules the capital projects and expenditures for the construction, expansion, renovation, or replacement of the public facilities and services. The CIP should be based on the policies and strategies, and should identify the project scope, cost, funding source, timeline, and responsible agency or entity for each capital project. The CIP should also be aligned with the community's budget, fiscal capacity, and revenue sources, and should be updated regularly to reflect changing needs and conditions.

5 Implementation and monitoring

The fifth step in planning for public facilities and services is to implement and monitor the progress and performance of the public facilities and services. This involves adopting and enforcing the comprehensive plan, the policies and strategies, and the CIP, as well as engaging and collaborating with the stakeholders, partners, and users of the public facilities and services. This also involves collecting and analyzing data, feedback, and indicators to evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of the public facilities and services, and to identify the issues, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

6 Review and update

The sixth step in planning for public facilities and services is to review and update the comprehensive plan, the policies and strategies, and the CIP periodically to ensure that they are relevant, responsive, and adaptive to the changing needs and conditions of the community. This involves conducting a comprehensive plan audit or update process that involves public participation, data collection and analysis, goal setting, policy formulation, project prioritization, and plan adoption. This also involves incorporating the best practices, innovations, and lessons learned from the implementation and monitoring of the public facilities and services.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?