Strategic Plan

H.A.R.B.O.R. Inc.
2006 Strategic Plan Action Items

MISSION STATEMENT
To bring together the Greater Harbor Springs Community by providing a platform for cooperation and communication; by encouraging participation through education and discussion; by facilitating the understanding and implementation of multiple plans and proposals; and by promoting, protecting, and maintaining the common vision for the Greater Harbor Springs Community.

SPECIAL INITIATIVES
Initiative 1: Facilitate Enhancement of Recreational, Cultural and Open Space Assets.
Reason: Recreational, cultural, and open space assets have long been a priority for quality of life and economic reasons. Individual jurisdictions and the school district operate these facilities. Many have identified the need for funding to provide new and maintain existing facilities. There are concerns that future generations will be inadequately served due to rising costs.

Executive Action Items:

1. Provide educational sessions on Transfer of Development Rights, Annual Environmental Law Session, Funding Authority Statutes and Requirements, Natural Resource Protection Techniques Workshop and DNR Purchase/Development Grant Workshop. .
2. Host Developers Forums to discuss means of implementing “green developments” and coordinating adjacent developments.
3. Evaluate potential of annual Recreation Guide.
4. Identify parcels for recreation and open space. Initiate discussions to pursue funding on a few initial projects with regional impact.
5. Identify agreeable ordinance changes.
6. If agreeable to local communities, prepare a regional plan for recreation and open space, including a greenway system for potential non-motorized trail development.
7. Conduct a cost analysis for long-term funding of purchase, development and maintenance of recreational and open space resources.
8. Develop Recreation, Trails and Open Space Webpage.
9. Finalize easements along M-119 to facilitate non-motorized trail construction. Work with MDOT on trail design.
10. Initiate a non-motorized trail planning process to determine locations for trail development, means of implementing trails, and potential funding sources.
11. Initiate a feasibility study for the proposed Northern Route from M119 and Pleasantview into the City of Harbor Springs, highlighting potential routes, easement requirements and recommendations to township and city planning commissions.

Initiative 2: Facilitate Evaluation of the Transportation Needs.

Reason: Transportation becomes more of a concern as increased traffic volumes tax existing roads and quiet/safe neighborhood streets become primary routes with more traffic. Residents feel that a pedestrian friendly region is important. Public transportation has been discussed as a possible alternative to more cars and more parking lots.

Executive Action Items:

1. Request feedback from local jurisdictions that are active with transportation issues.
2. Identify funding sources and professionals to guide community evaluation of transportation.
3. Compile traffic counts and projections, if any. Identify planned developments that will significantly impact neighborhoods or existing streets.
4. Pursue funding to study the impact of continued use and development on existing roads.
5. Pursue funding for a process to identify options for reducing motor vehicle traffic so as to maintain a pedestrian friendly town.

Initiative 3: Continue to Develop and Increase Awareness of www.harborinc.org
Reason: The Community Center website is a valuable resource on events in the greater community. Valuable data is now available to increase awareness of land based issues. Continued education and updates are necessary to capitalize on the value of the information.

Executive Action Items:

1. Evaluate means of implementing survey capabilities onto the site (for the purpose of monitoring the vision and assisting local governments) and identify a “Test” project.
2. Add “Forms” to website to allow for on-line zoning and site plan approval applications.

Initiative 4: Create a Comprehensive Program to Evaluate Housing.Reason: The majority of future development will be residential. Property owners have expressed concern about the potential outcome if development occurs according to current zoning. Additionally, trends show an imbalance between housing costs and income opportunities.

Executive Action Items:

1. Computerize build-out study. Use as baseline to monitor changes in zoning & development.
2. Map desirable alternatives for housing density that reflect intelligent use of land.
3. Identify discrepancies in existing zoning compared with these desirable alternatives.
4. Pursue funding for a Comprehensive Housing Study throughout the HARBOR, Inc. area to determine needs areas, to identify discrepancies in cost vs. income and to create strategies for resolution of existing issues.

Ongoing Objective: Assist communities with the development and implementation of their master plans.
Executive Action Items:
1. Solicit input and analyze existing comprehensive plans and ordinances for discrepancies.
2. Assist communities with the evaluation of development proposals.
3. Develop a means of projecting infrastructure costs resulting from new development.

Ongoing Objective: Expand educational and public involvement opportunities.
Executive Action Items:
1. Provide planning education and public forums.
2. Post interest items on the website forum.
3. Host bi-annual Emmet County elected and appointed Officials Gatherings.

Ongoing Objective: Communicate effectively with members and the public to promote greater understanding of HARBOR, Inc. and encourage involvement in its activities.
Executive Action Items:
1. Provide electronic (weekly) and printed (spring, summer and fall) newsletters.
2. Prepare news releases and encourage press coverage of programs, events and projects.
3. Prepare professional marketing materials and annual reports.