Building Capacity to Engage Local Communities in Comprehensive Planning: A Case Studies Approach

Roberts R¹*

1. Center for Land Use Education University of Wisconsin -Stevens Point, Wisconsin, USA

Communities everywhere are grappling with external pressure to change. While some communities are faced with rapid growth and development pressures, others are slowing declining. Local officials in these communities are called upon “to do something” and increasingly, residents expect the opportunity to become involved in such processes. Community planning is one approach that local governments may take to proactively address change and plan for the future of their communities.

The State of Wisconsin presents a unique learning environment in which to study participatory community planning approaches. In 1999, the state adopted a comprehensive planning law that requires communities to adopt a comprehensive plan in order to regulate certain land use activities.

The law provides guidelines for public participation as well as monetary incentives to encourage cooperative planning with neighboring jurisdictions. Experience assisting several rural Wisconsin communities will be drawn upon to examine the local leadership roles, processes, participatory approaches and capacity building needs that have evolved in Wisconsin as a result of this law. The session will focus on challenges and solutions unique to rural communities.