Next Steps

The following actions and strategies establish the “next steps” to be taken after the adoption of the Wake Forest Community Plan. They will provide for the effective application of the Plan and continued community planning and investment, and ensure the Plan remains reflective of community needs and aspirations. They include:

| Reference the Community Plan on a regular basis to guide Town policies and decision-making. | Review and update the Unified

Development Ordinance and other development controls to reflect policies presented in the Wake Forest

Community Plan. | Update and incorporate the Capital

Improvement Plan (CIP) with Plan recommendations for CIP infrastructure improvements. | Promote cooperation and participation among various agencies, organizations, community groups, and individuals. | Regularly review and update the Plan to reflect current conditions and shifts in community priorities. | Establish meaningful partnerships with internal and external organizations and agencies. | Explore possible funding sources and implementation techniques.

Reference the Plan Regularly

The Community Plan should be referenced regularly as the official policy guide for planning decisions made by Town staff, Board of Commissioners, Planning Board, and staff. It should be used as a primary resource to assist with policy formation, prospective projects, development proposals, and planning initiatives, ensuring that future decisions are in line with the Town’s set goals for land use and development. Further, service providers and partner organizations should be encouraged to use the Plan when considering new development, facilities, infrastructure updates, and programming within their parameters. The Plan should be used to:

| Evaluate and shape policies and regulations. | Work with partner agencies and service providers. | Review and evaluate development proposals. | Prioritize public expenditures. | Encourage private sector investment. | Coordinate new facilities, infrastructure, and programming.

Development Regulations

While the Wake Forest Community Plan articulates a vision for the community, the Town’s development regulations are one of the primary tools that can be used to implement Plan recommendations. Following adoption of the Community Plan, the Town should consider a process to update the current Unified Development Ordinance to ensure that regulations reflect current Town policy and the desires of the Wake Forest community. Amendments to development regulations and design standards should consider complementary programs and incentives that can be used to achieve the community’s vision for economic development, neighborhood character, connectivity, and other aspects of the Plan.