“We want to make our policies more real, implementing big ideas.”
– Sue Schwartz, Planning Director Until the late 1990’s, the City of Greensboro, NC, did not place emphasis on their vision for long-range planning. For almost 200 years since the city’s incorporation, the Planning Department had focused primarily on current planning, zoning and development projects. This focus was essential for land and economic development and to secure a fiscally sustainable future.
As a fast-growing, mid-sized city, current planning initiatives demanded focus – but little attention was given to proactively shaping the urban form and character of development or to building a visionary, actionable plan to manage and lead future growth.
As the city grew and matured, that mindset shifted. The City Council realized the need to establish and articulate the City’s vision and its growth and economic development policies. They knew it was important to guide urban growth, land use, transportation and infrastructure decisions; to prioritize capital projects; and to clearly communicate this vision to local business and industry, investors and developers, and the general public.
Greensboro had built a Comprehensive Plan before, but it was inflexible, tethered to a binder and inconducive to practical use. Planning Director Sue Schwartz, FAICP, knew this new plan needed to be different and was determined that it would be easily accessible, readable and highly functional. The paper binders and fold-out maps typically used to create and communicate comprehensive plans were antiquated. They were neither sufficient nor viable. This was the inspiration that fueled the creation of Greensboro’s new GSO2040 Comprehensive Plan.
