Community Development - Visioning
by Yelena Mitrofanova, Extension Educator
What is Visioning?
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A process by which community defines the future it wants
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A citizen-based process to identify core community values, goals and strategies
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It is a foundation to develop�a community comprehensive or strategic plan
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A process that identifies desirable changes for the future
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A process that visualizes what community Could be like or Should be like in 10-15 years
Why Visioning?
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Emphasizes community assets rather than needs
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Assesses community options and opportunities on the basis of shared purposes and values
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Stresses early and continuous public involvement in the process
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A visioning process brings community together as people recognize their shared values and purposes; creates a sense of ownership in community residents and serves as a foundation to comprehensive plan
When is�Visioning Process needed?
- When there is a confusion about where the community is heading
- When your community does not have agreement on such issues as growth and change
- When there is lack of hope and the future looks dim
What Visioning is NOT:
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Not a land use planning, or substitute for it
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Not a comprehensive planning by itself; but within a comprehensive planning process, visioning could be used as a consensus-building technique
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It is not about people surrendering their individual dreams; visioning builds a shared set of standards and values
Visioning Process Steps:
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First Town Hall Meeting:�
- a) Educate public about the Visioning Process;
- b) Form Task Groups: Logistics, Communication, Research
- UNL Staff conduct Listening Sessions and share the report with the public
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Second Town Hall meeting:
- a) Public report;
- b) Priorities on issues & strategies;
- c) Visioning
- Comprehensive plan by Planning & Zoning Committee - incorporation of Visioning statement into comprehensive plan
What are the results of Visioning?
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An overall community vision statement
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Better communication lines developed within the community
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Context for consideration and adoption of long-range goals and related policies
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Citizens feel they are in control and that their input is meaningful; community residents can make sure that the comprehensive plan addresses the issues raised from the visioning and addresses how to achieve the vision
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Visioning creates excitement in community residents about the planning process.�People like to know that they can be a part of their community in meaningful way
What are the implementation costs?
- Mileage reimbursement for UNL facilitators
- Two Town Hall meetings (snack, advertising costs, child care fees, etc.)
- Postage (announcement cards, etc.)
- Facilitator's fee (preparation for two town hall meetings, printing of materials, inviting a key speaker, etc.)�
For more information, contact:
Yelena Mitrofanova, Extension Educator
e-mail: ymitrofanova2@unl.edu
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County
444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln, NE 68528.
Phone: 402-441-7180
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