TITLE: Title
Discussion of Carrboro Vision2020, and its utility in guiding land use decisions that advance social equity
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to provide the Mayor and Board members with an opportunity to discuss the usefulness of Carrboro Vision2020 in guiding decision making, with a particular focus on the provisions relating to social equity.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning
CONTACT INFORMATION: Patricia McGuire - 919-918-7327 - pmcguire@townofcarrboro.org
INFORMATION: At its retreat on February 15, 2015, the Board of Aldermen decided to have a work session to revisit Carrboro’s Vision2020 to discuss its usefulness in guiding decision making, particularly in relation to social impact/equity. Each Board member agreed to draft language to encapsulate their viewpoint and thoughts. A copy of the minutes of the retreat is attached (Attachment B) to help recall the discussion.
The staff memo provided (Attachment C) provides an overview of the Carrboro Vision2020 since its adoption in 2000 along with the Board’s interest in incorporating justice in the decision-making framework. The Carrboro Vision2020 document is also provided in its entirety (Attachment D). While there is not a specific section dedicated to the topic of social equity, equity issues appear as a recurrent theme throughout the document. Examples from other local governments seeking to address equity and social justice in long-range planning initiatives, are attached as well (Attachment E-I).
With the end date of 2020 approaching, it may soon be the time to discuss when and how Carrboro Vision2020 might be updated and/or replaced by some other policy/planning framework. The Board discussed comprehensive planning in 2014, and a series of small area plans, or another approach, has also been noted. In lieu of a public outreach forum celebrating National Community Planning Month this year, the Planning Board launched an advisory board review of Carrboro Vision2020 this fall to assess and comment on progress toward the goals and directions of the document in the 15 years since its adoption. It was suggested that the boards might note where the goals have been accomplished or where more effort is needed, indicate whether any goals or topical areas should be added, revised, or removed, and offer mileposts for actions in the next five years. The effort has been an internal, technical review by the boards to inform the Board of Aldermen as they consider how an update might be formulated.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: None noted in relation to discussion.
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends that the Board of Aldermen discuss the topic and provide direction to staff if other action is of interest (Attachment A).