Comprehensive plan sustainability evaluation

References:

Godschalk, David R. and David C. Rouse. 2015. PAS Report 578: Sustaining Places: Best Practices for Comprehensive Plans.

Berke Godschalk 2009 Plan Quality

OneNYC-2050-Full-Report-1.3 product_EIP_E_IP35 - Sustaining Places Practices for Comprehensive Planning

Appendix

Excel sheet pdf of APA sustaining places scoring matrix.

Tempe General Plan 2040: Review

By Komal Macwan

PUP 544: Urban Land Use Planning Instructor: Dr David King

The Tempe General Plan 2040 is a forward-looking document and a comprehensive guide that outlines the city's vision for development over the next two decades. One of the key focus areas of the plan is land use, with a strong emphasis on creating liveable, sustainable communities that promote economic growth and social equity.

In terms of land use, the plan highly showcases a mixed-use approach that integrates the majority of residential zones along with commercial and industrial development. The plan identifies several key principles for land use, including the promotion of compact, mixed-use development that reduces traffic congestion and promotes walking, biking, and public transportation. The plan also aims to create vibrant, connected neighborhoods that offer a variety of housing options, including affordable housing.

The Tempe General Plan 2040 has employed the idea of "Hubs" as the foundation for Tempe to become a city that can be accessed in 20 minutes. Develop the city such that you can get whatever you need in 20 minutes on foot or on a bicycle. The Plan encourages mixed-income housing possibilities and vertical mixed-use development in hubs, which serve as high-density activity centers, and include urban parks and open space in urban development. Establish a hierarchy of densities that will provide neighborhoods with a clear direction for urbanization and facilitate seamless transitions from suburban to urban core residential areas. Create a city that provides fair access to resources that support healthier lifestyles, such as wholesome meals, physical activity, medical care, and other services. supporting varied and active neighborhoods, as well as initiatives for historic preservation and regeneration that give neighborhoods their unique identity.

The General Plan designates specific areas for different types of land use, such as urban villages, activity centres, and innovation districts. Urban villages are small, mixed-use neighborhoods that provide a variety of housing options, while activity centres are larger areas focused on commercial and entertainment activities. Innovation districts are intended to support economic growth and job creation by providing a hub for high-tech industries.

The plan also recognizes the importance of protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable practices. It promotes green building standards, reducing energy consumption, and preserving open space. The plan emphasizes the need to protect the city's natural resources, including the Salt River, Tempe Town Lake, and other significant environmental features.

The General Plan also includes policies to support economic development and job creation in the city. The plan identifies key economic sectors, such as technology, health care, and education, and promotes the growth of these industries through incentives and other programs. The plan also recognizes the importance of small businesses and start-ups and seeks to support entrepreneurship through targeted initiatives.

In addition to land use and economic development, the Tempe General Plan 2040 includes policies related to transportation, sustainability, social equity, and community engagement. The plan aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve mobilitythrough investments in public transit, bike lanes, and other alternative modes of transportation. It also seeks to promote sustainability by reducing energy consumption, promoting water conservation, and increasing recycling rates.

The plan recognizes the importance of social equity and seeks to address issues such as affordable housing, access to education and job training, and increasing access to parks, open space, and recreational opportunities. The plan emphasizes the importance of community engagement and encourages residents to participate in the decision-making process through public meetings, surveys, and other outreach efforts.

Overall, the Tempe General Plan 2040 seeks to create a more sustainable, equitable, and liveable city that reflects the values and aspirations of the community. The plan recognizes the importance of balancing economic growth with social and environmental responsibility and seeks to promote a healthy, prosperous, and inclusive community for all residents. By prioritizing land use, the plan aims to create vibrant, connected neighborhoods that provide a high quality of life for residents while supporting a strong economy.

In alignment with the values that I highly resonate with being an urban land use planner is a city being sustainable, liveable, and accessible within a short amount of time having multiple ways to commute, which is highly the underlying aim of Tempe’s General Plan.

References: https://www.tempe.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86155/637395866769170000

 Tempe General Plan 2040 (n.d.). City of Tempe, AZ.