Updated: I just realized that April 30 is the deadline for the "Home Kit" program only. Other types of inputs will continue to be welcomed after that.

The deadline for input via the Imagine Olympia "Home-Kit" program into the city comprehensive planning process is approaching. According to an email I recently received, April 30 (a Friday) will be the last day for people to submit documents for consideration by city planning advisory committee members and city staff, as part of the Imagine Olympia Home Kit program.
[photo caption: Jami Heinricher at the Imagine Olympia
Kick-off event in November 2009]

What is a comprehensive plan, and what is it good for? Well there is some debate on that—and my understanding is that the comprehensive plan is mandated by state law (specifically the Growth Management Act.)

I like to think of the comp plan as a guiding document, a document that sort of encompasses the spirit of where people want the city to go: what they want it to look like, and to be like. That being the case, it really is important for people to participate and lend their creative ideas to the process.

There are tons of ways to participate, to make a contribution, and to make your voice heard. For example, there are forms online where you can submit comments. It's all part of the Imagine Olympia program. And then there is the above mentioned Home Kit exercise that City Planning Staff have created. The Home Kit is specially formulated to foster conversation between neighbors and friends about the planning process.

One of the big questions is about how the city should handle growth. How can the city accommodate a growing population while at the same time achieving true sustainability?

Will we need to curtail overall economic activity in order to achieve a stable and just economic prosperity for all?

How about transportation?

How about the environment?

These are among the questions we might want to ask at this time.

Do you have ideas? Well, consider yourself invited and welcome to share them here, but more importantly please don't forget to let the people at the city know. Let the city planning officials know what you want, so that they can represent you!

More information on the process, as well as downloadable Home Kits, can be found here.