The Town Plan Committee agreed to the following goals for Richmond’s Our Town, Our Future process and ideals to shape the way the process is run.
Process Ideals
- Transparent: Process is open, information is freely and widely shared, participants are honest and direct.
- Objective: Process is impartial; participants and leaders set aside private agendas and self-interest; decisions are based on facts.
- Informed: Process and decisions are grounded in accurate and thorough information; participants understand and pay attention to the impacts of decisions.
- Inclusive: We proactively reach out to a broad cross-section of the community (including the “quiet”); we seek equal representation of stakeholder groups; participants listen and promote a democratic process.
- Respectful: Participants listen to different opinions with civility and consideration; people are free to express, and are comfortable with expressing, individual opinions.
- Positive: We build on and appreciate Richmond’s strengths; process strengthens community ownership and energy; process is rooted in good faith and trust among all participants.
- Forward-thinking: We focus discussions and decisions on the future while appreciating and learning from the past.
Process Goals
- Create a high-quality plan
Plan is accessible, compelling and thorough, and has a strong vision for the future. Plan provides clear direction for the Town, builds on existing assets, and reflects input from voters and residents. - Gain support and approval from residents
Residents support and vote for the plan. Voters do not stage efforts to defeat the plan. - Include compromise + diverse interests: All stakeholders are considered in drafting the plan and their views are reflected in the final document. Plan Committee and planners understand what stakeholders want for Richmond.
- Build buzz + awareness around plan
People talk about the planning process informally around town. People understand the plan and process and proactively offer ideas. - Foster broad, diverse participation in process
Plan Committee and planners proactively go to and engage a broad cross-section community. Committee builds diverse & extensive participation in planning activities (more than the “usual” participants). People feel they have meaningful opportunities to participate and feel that their concerns will be heard. - Improve planning conversations
Process builds understanding of planning processes in general and comfort around participation and compromise. Process helps reduce contention and build cohesiveness around planning & zoning decisions, leading to more effective and less divisive future conversations around planning. - Grow social capital and vibrancy in Richmond
Process creates energy and momentum in Richmond. A growing network of social connections fosters cooperation and vitality, ensuring that people continue to want to live, work and play in Richmond.