Land-use plans are usually created and put into action by a city's government, which retains full control over how the land can be used. Pre-set #zoning and planning regulations dictate what owners can and cannot do with the property. But what about the community living there, shouldn't they have a say in these plans? 

In order for a city to grow and prosper, people need the government to curate what the citizens want and need in their own communities. Pittsburgh chose to include their residents in the process of creating their land use plan, and as they state on their website, “a comprehensive plan is a roadmap to point us toward a shared vision. It is a standard planning tool that cities use to guide future investment and development. Using input from the people who live, work, and play here.”

This is going to be remembered as a very successful venture in growing our city while maintaining the quality of life we have historically enjoyed. A thriving local economy will also produce much greater tax revenue that can be further invested in our city. It will be a win-win situation both for the government and the people living in Pittsburgh.

The city asked residents about their housing situations because they saw the importance of using real-world perspectives to guide their decisions when they wrote the comprehensive plan. The best thing about this plan is that it was created based on input gathered from the people who live in Pittsburgh. Bill Peduto (when he was still the Mayor) said that “we want to work with each community separately, and build a consensus."

Pittsburgh was on the right track when they decided to encourage collaboration between communities to create the best future for the city. They sent a clear message that they are serious about their role in shaping the future of Pittsburgh and making it “a place for all.” 

The plan includes short-term and long-term goals that will empower the city's residents to rise up and resolve systematic social problems that have not previously been addressed. Each and every neighborhood in the city will have equal access to resources... not just the wealthiest neighborhoods... and people can work together to create a shared vision for a better place to live and work. Citizens can help come up with strategies for building new housing communities, well-constructed roads, commercial infrastructure, agriculture land, stormwater treatment, and "dense housing" concepts. Best of all, it will all depend upon the residents' wishes for the future. 

When they encourage full cooperation from the community, land-use plans will prove their worth. Since it is being created for the people living here, it just makes sense to ask them what they would live to see happen. Andrew Dash, Pittsburgh city planning director, said it was important that the people get ample opportunity to “participate in the project” and that they are “centering this plan in equity.”

Residents will have a much higher degree of faith in the plans and policies of the government because there will be increased transparency, and they will know that their suggestions are being taken to heart. This will help citizens to actively participate by giving their opinions, suggestions, and ideas regarding how their neighborhoods should look and operate. The ideas include tips on policies like inclusionary zoning, density bonuses, and any other priorities the community decides upon. A resident-driven city plan is going to open doors to equal opportunity for all residents.

The results of the survey were analyzed and collated to determine which issues should be prioritized for immediate implementation, and which goals are more long-term. The people who will be affected are being allowed to decide and give input on the types of housing plans and related economic investments that will be best for their own neighborhoods.  

Residents are smart enough to understand and prioritize their wants and needs. A well-designed, result-oriented, and community-driven land plan is what the people of any city deserve. The future of Pittsburgh looks brighter than ever!