Valparaiso, IN
Conducting extensive publicity and outreach.
A large and diverse citizen Steering Committee was appointed to guide the process and substance of the vision. They branded the effort ValpoNEXT and helped conduct a publicity campaign that included traditional and online media, as well as personal word-of-mouth outreach.
Working with an engaged community.
At the first public event, over three nights in February, nearly 300 people braved sub-zero temperatures to think big about making their community even better. Over the entire course of the process, multiple face-to-face public workshops, small focus groups, as well as online activities reached over 880 people and gathered 2,090 pieces of input.
Receiving broad support.
Following the one-year planning process, Valparaiso City Council approved the ValpoNEXT Vision Plan. A large number of community members turned out for the hearing and many spoke with glowing praise about the plan and the extensive community outreach process that led to its adoption. The final plan sets forth a vision statement and nine initiative areas that organize 43 actions (projects, programs or policies) that will advance the initiatives.
National recognition
Following ValpoNEXT’s adoption in 2014, the community began implementing its actions. Among the early successes of ValpoNEXT was to position the community to compete for grant money in the America’s Best Communities competition. The City was chosen as a quarter-finalist in the competition and began implementation on one of the top priorities for the plan: the creation of a creative district and supporting plan.
AWARD WINNER
2016 Outstanding Plan Award
Indiana Chapter of the American Planning Association
Related News
Final Plan Document
Tags
Project Type: district plan
Community Type: small city
Client: City of Valparaiso
Services: visioning, area planning, public engagement, social media and online engagement
