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Letter: Community needs to get involved in Williams General Plan update

To the editor:

The Williams General Plan Update needs more involvement and support from local citizens and organizations. The Williams Planning and Zoning Commission has had two open, public workshop meetings to obtain public input - neither was well-attended.

Cities update their plans once every ten years. This is a requirement for all municipalities in the state of Arizona. The current General Plan, which the city adopted in 2003, has served Williams effectively, but it requires strategic revision to acknowledge changes that have occurred. Many of its basic principles continue to be valid. However, some changes are required.

I have prepared a draft plan document. It is scheduled soon for release to receive advisory review comments from state, county and nearby municipal agencies. Because the Commissioners believed we should not forward the draft without first hearing more from the people of Williams, they have declined to proceed with that part of the plan process.

Now is the time to reset your community's long-range direction. Please take the opportunity to review the draft document. It is available on the city's website. Then spread the word among neighbors, friends and business associates to participate.

An additional workshop is scheduled for July 22 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. It is very important that a good cross-section of the community participates by being at that meeting or otherwise communicating their opinions. This expanded citizen involvement will allow plan refinements that accurately reflect local residents' values. There also will be other opportunities to comment on the plan later while the outside agencies are reviewing it, in the fall at public Planning and Zoning Commission hearings and city council hearings.

The new plan proposes policies for guiding the future, such as emphasizing economic development to create jobs and improve housing opportunities and recognizing the city's progress in water resource management. The Williams General Plan Update consists of an introductory section, seven different - but related - subject areas ranging from land use to environmental issues, and an implementation program that sets out steps that the city may take to accomplish the community's planning goals.

Remember, the General Plan influences city decisions that the city council, its advisory boards and commissions will make over an extended period of time. It is vital that citizens understand what it says as well as, if necessary, how to amend it.

Rick Counts

Counts Planning

Consultant to city of Williams


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