Plans come in many forms, but typically they include the following:

• An assessment of existing conditions including population, socioeconomic, housing stock, and economic factors
• Public input that reaches a wide audience using several techniques for input
• The development of goals and strategies for major topic areas
• A strategy for implementation to carry out the goals identified in the planning process

• To bring together existing plans, including the Long Range Transportation Plan and HUD Consolidated Plan, under one cohesive document
• To provide guidance for future development in an organized and focused manner
• To engage the public and provide an opportunity to address their needs
• To raise awareness about the planning process
• To assist in attracting additional grants and funding opportunities

Rather than create a lengthy document full of text, our goal is to present information in a more useful way. This plan will include a combination of interactive maps and graphics, in addition to the condensed plan document. The plan will meet all requirements of the Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Once the plan is finalized and officially adopted, the implementation stage of the planning process begins. This allows GCMPC staff, in partnership with local communities and agencies, to carry out goals and strategies included in the plan. Additionally, staff will monitor the outcomes of the plan and may propose future changes if desired goals are not reached. A plan is not permanent. It is a forever changing document that can be updated to remain relevant to quickly changing communities.