A Community Builder Plan is a short-term 5-year strategic plan that is adopted by a governing body (cities or counties).  It is a unique tool that takes community leaders through a planning process that helps develop consensus on current and future projects.  The plan includes information on five basic elements:  public works, housing, public facilities/services, financial conditions, and economic development.  The plan is very helpful as it identifies needs and priorities in the community over the next five years.  Through public “visioning” meetings conducted by the RPC, the public is invited to share in the planning process, and offer ideas on what the community priorities should be.  Builder plans that are referred to often, and updated regularly, can help promote informed decision-making and improved use of public tax dollars.  By identifying projects early, project leaders have more time to seek grant programs that defray costs and expand investment of public tax dollars.  Early identification can also help communities address small projects such as maintenance before they become big problems.

last updated January, 2006