Comprehensive Plan
In the next two years we need to focus on moving Teton County out of this economic slump and toward sustainable growth. We need a plan for the future that is consistent, graduated, and based on a vision of sustainability. The most logical place to start is to address the 2004 comprehensive plan. This is not only because good planning leads to the best outcomes, but because the comprehensive plan is out of date. In the six years since it was adopted, many areas of the county have changed dramatically. Our cornerstone land use document – the comprehensive plan – needs to keep pace with our changing community.
Furthermore, the language in the 2004 plan, although it included smart growth ideas, has many areas that are inconsistent and vague ¬– leaving decision makers to interpret the intent. This is the wrong role for elected officials: what we need are solid, clear guidelines designed by the community that do not require such interpretation, but instead are clear in their purpose. With the current vague language and unknown objectives elected officials are forced to interpret the plan, leaving residents, businesses and government understandably at odds.
Kathy’s goal is to create a comprehensive plan that clearly outlines the community’s vision and is consistent throughout. A plan developers, locals, government officials and prospective residents can all count on. In addition, Kathy believes the plan must plainly describe the implementation tools to be used so that all these parties understand what the plan means when the rubber hits the road.
