Shaping your community

Community planning often goes unnoticed by many residents. However, getting involved in the planning process can have a significant impact on the well-being of your community. Let’s explore how you can participate in community planning and make positive changes in your neighborhood and region.

Before diving into how to get involved, it is essential to understand the importance of a Comprehensive Plan in community planning. A Comprehensive Plan is a long-term guide that outlines the vision, goals, and policies for a community's future growth and development. It covers various aspects, including land use, transportation, housing, economic development, and environmental conservation. Many communities in the Mat-Su, including all three cities, have these plans specific to their area.

The Comprehensive Plan is created in a group process involving local government officials, planning staff, and community members. It serves as a roadmap for decision-making and helps ensure that the community's growth aligns with its values and aspirations. By familiarizing yourself with your community's Comprehensive Plan, you can better understand the long-term vision and how your involvement can contribute to achieving those goals. There are multiple public hearings during its drafting, so even if you are not on the committee, you will be heard.

Another overlooked aspect of community planning is capital projects, such as new roads, parks, community centers, or infrastructure improvements. These projects often require significant investments and can have a lasting impact on the community. This is where the Comprehensive Plan comes into play.

When a capital project is proposed, it is evaluated against the goals and policies outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. This reference point ensures the project aligns with the community's long-term vision and priorities. If a proposed capital project does not align with the Comprehensive Plan, it may be modified or even rejected. By participating in the planning process, you can help shape that long-term vision for your community and ensure that future capital projects reflect the needs and values of residents.

One of the easiest ways to get involved in community planning is by attending public meetings. These meetings, by law, are open to all residents. They provide a platform for discussing proposed projects, zoning changes, and other community issues. By showing up and voicing your opinions, you can help shape the decisions that will affect your neighborhood.

There are other ways to be involved outside of the Comprehensive Plan development. Attending public meetings allows you to have an immediate say in the decision-making process. You can raise concerns, offer suggestions, and provide valuable local insights that can influence the outcome of a project. Regularly being at public meetings helps foster a sense of community engagement in the planning process.

You can join local planning organizations. Many communities have organizations dedicated to planning and development issues. These groups often welcome new members and provide opportunities to get involved in various projects. Some examples include neighborhood associations, historic preservation societies, and environmental conservation groups. Local examples are Community Councils, many boards and commissions at the Borough, City, and State levels, and ad hoc groups such as trails committees.

Joining one or more of these local planning organizations allows you to share your skills and ideas to projects or initiatives. You can help organize events, conduct research, or advocate for causes that matter to you and your community. Over time, these efforts can lead to significant improvements.

Local governments and planning agencies often conduct surveys and workshops to gather input from residents. These events provide an opportunity to share your thoughts on a wide range of topics, from transportation and housing to parks and recreation. Participating in surveys and workshops allows you to provide valuable feedback that can influence the direction of community projects and policies.

Volunteer for community projects! Many community planning efforts rely on the support of volunteers. By donating your time and energy to local projects, you can help bring about positive change in your neighborhood. Volunteering for community projects allows you to make a tangible difference in your area. Whether it's helping to clean up a park, planting trees, or assisting with a local event, your efforts can have an immediate impact on the quality of life in your community.

Getting involved in community planning may seem daunting at first - because how many of us think we have any time to spare? The rewards are well worth the effort, though. Your involvement will have both short-term and long-term impacts.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.