HomeMy WebLinkAboutplng board 1217 JM 12-12-19
TO: Bozeman Planning Board
FROM: Jen Madgic
DATE: December 12, 2019
RE: Growth policy update - City of Neighborhoods section
Apologies for missing the December 17 meeting. Per our December 3 discussion (as well as
other meetings), I believe Bozeman’s Growth Policy should be written in a manner that is
accessible to the average person. The American Planning Association’s Best Practices for
Comprehensive Plans states:
Traditional comprehensive plans often are not widely read because they are too long
and contain too much planning jargon. Therefore, it is important to translate plans into
concise, easily readable, and understandable content—including not only text and
tables, but also maps, graphics and digital images.
Community planning operations in Bozeman should be clear, concise and easy for the average
person to follow. Individuals should not have to hire consultants to decipher policy and code.
Ensuring the growth policy is accessible to residents and business owners is a good first step to
creating user-friendly, community planning processes. Other documents and regulations
should follow suit.
Attached is suggested new language for the Introduction section of City of Neighborhoods
section. Hopefully this gets to our intent in celebrating new and old neighborhoods.
I thought this list was a good starting point:“12 Things That Make A Neighborhood Truly Great,”
(Forbes, 2014): 1) Lifestyle match; 2) Pride in ownership; 3) Low crime rate; 4) Great schools; 5)
Outdoor activities abound; 6) Stepping back in time; 7) Access to medical care; 8) Family
friendly; 9) Close to public transportation; 10) Nearby shopping and restaurants; 11) Nightlife
and entertainment; 12) Walkability.
Enjoy the holidays!
Jen Madgic
jmadgic@gmail.com