How to Use this Plan

The framework phase included developing detailed recommendations for each framework. Each framework includes both design and policy recommendations. Maps, graphics, and text were created to support each critical framework.

The final phase, the implementation phase, involved identifying short-term and long-term priorities based on the recommendations. The implementation matrix includes identifying the steps, partners, timing, and cost for each recommendation. An implementation matrix increases the Plan’s success by ensuring it is regularly used to achieve the vision.

During the development of this plan, the COVID-19 pandemic emerged and the City delayed the process as the State enacted various shut down measures. This period allowed an opportunity for reevaluation of overarching economic changes and their impact on the goals, objectives, and frameworks of this plan. The City conducted more virtual outreach sessions with stakeholders to gather input to refine plan elements.

This Plan is a roadmap used by City staff and elected and appointed officials to guide Monroe’s future development. The Plan contains the vision, goals, policies, maps, and recommendations as decision-making tools. By implementing these tools, the vision in this Plan created by the community will become a reality.

Implementation is the process by which the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan get translated into meaningful change within the community, which is often challenging. While the objectives and recommendations are organized under various key components, implementation relies on treating them as a part of a whole. The Plan provides policies, projects, and programs within the context of those critical components. Not all goals and recommendations can be completed immediately. This document should continue to evolve as physical, economic, and social conditions change and resources become available. The City must also consider the necessary staff and budget resources and prioritize actions to implement the Comprehensive Plan successfully.

While the Comprehensive Plan has tried to account for many different development scenarios and resource possibilities, there are still elements of uncertainty. This uncertainty is why the Plan should be a dynamic and living plan that continually evolves. As conditions change, the staff should consider whether the opportunity presented meets the Plan’s intent, vision, and principles and beneficial to Monroe. If it does, then the opportunity should be considered and, if approved, the City should update the Plan.