Land Use Planning
Clark County Comprehensive Plan UpdateClark County, Washington
Client: Clark County Community Development Department
When Clark County, Washington needed to update its comprehensive growth management plan, county officials knew that widespread community input would be vital to a successful plan. JLA developed the strategy for and implemented a major public involvement program for phases I and II of the five-year Growth Management Act-mandated review and update of the county’s comp plan. The process included extensive coordination with the county Public Information Office, Community Development Department, and the Board of County Commissioners. We produced conference style assemblies in five different areas of the county that drew hundreds of people into the process and generated wide support for the planning effort. We also facilitated community groups, conducted interviews and surveys, and provided guidance for media relations and the development of information materials.
Damascus Comprehensive Plan DevelopmentCity of Damascus, Oregon
Client: City of Damascus
Damascus, Oregon, a city of 12,000 acres and 10,000 people, incorporated in the fall of 2004 in response to the decision by Metro (the metropolitan planning organization for the Portland metro area) to expand the urban growth boundary. The newest city in Oregon in over 22 years, Damascus faces many challenges in developing and implementing its comprehensive plan, including polarization in the community over property rights and natural resource protection, and disagreement over how to meet the state's land use goals. JLA developed and is currently implementing the public involvement and information program for Damascus’ comprehensive plan. The public involvement approach includes organizing small neighborhood meetings hosted by residents in their homes and backyards as well as innovative information tools such as a DVD and online surveys. The public involvement program has been well-received and has been credited for helping the new community get established on firm footing.
As one step in the development of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, JLA created a 14 minute video to demystify previous steps in the planning process, address concerns about how planning will affect property and growth, and to show citizens how they can get involved in shaping their new city. Copies of the video were made available at Damascus City Hall and incorporated into self-guided work sessions held throughout the community.
Oregon City Comprehensive Plan UpdateOregon City, Oregon
Client: City of Oregon City
JLA assisted the City of Oregon City in a process to update their comprehensive plan, which had not been updated in 20 years. The planning process focused on housing, commerce and industry, community facilities, and growth and urbanization. JLA established and facilitated a Technical Advisory Committee consisting of representatives of neighborhood interests, businesses, affordable housing advocates, the development community, environmental advocates, the school district, Metro and the City’s Planning Commission. We also developed public information materials and planned and facilitated open houses.