GENERAL OPERATING FUND

PLANNING

PURPOSE AND MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT / DIVISION

ACCOUNT 001-1030-531

The department is responsible for the administration of the current & long-range land use regulations and policies set forth for Lawrence and the Unincorporated Portions of Douglas County by the City and County Commissions. One-sixth of the total operating budget for the department is provided by the County. Planning staff are considered city personnel and land use planning for the county is considered a contractual service.The Department's purpose is to provide for efficient, economical, convenient and attractive development through implementation of effective land use regulations. Key tools in implementation of community goals identified in the City/County Comprehensive Land Use plan are the updated zoning and subdivision regulations (in the last stages of development at this time.) Historic Preservation, GIS, neighborhood and transportation planning efforts are based on extensive citizen input & participation. Planning Staff provides professional support and technical assistance to the City Commission, County Commission, Planning Commission, Historic Resources Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals as well as numerous subcommittees and task forces. Service to citizens is key to the development of a community that is interconnected and knowledgeable about its past, its present, and how it will achieve its future. A significant amount of work from the Planning Department is seen in the plans, reviews, and written documents that guide and direct urban and rural growth in the community.

Significant Issues for 2003 - The increase in Personal Services for 2003 can be attributed to the 3% general wage adjustment, merit increases for eligible employees, and the addition of a Planner II position to provide long-range planning services.

2003 DEPARTMENT / DIVISION SPENDING SUMMARY

Lawrence - Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Department

EXPENDITURES

2001 Actual

2002 Adopted

2002 Estimate

2003 Budget

Personal Services

$ 568,057

$ 679,635

$ 709,582

Contractual Services

131,147

140,325

137,465

Commodities

21,953

22,050

33,254

Capital Outlay

10,286

37,400

Debt Service

Transfers

Contingency

Total

$ 731,443

$ 879,410

$ 880,301

DEPARTMENT / DIVISION PERSONNEL SUMMARY

CURRENT YEAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

PERSONNEL

2001 Actual

2002 Adopted

2002 Estimate

2003 Budget


	l Development of draft floodplain regulations which are currently tabled by Planning Commission until additional city maps showing details of proposed amendments are developed. l By end of 2003, draft zoning & subdivision regulations will be through public hearing process at Planning Commission level and before Governing Bodies for consideration and action. l HORIZON 2020 commercial, industrial and economic development chapters will be completed by 2003. Transportation 2025 update will be completed by Summer 2002. l 23rd Street Corridor plan will be completed. Access plans for 31st and 23rd Streets will be ready for adoption.

Authorized Positions

11.20

11.50

12.20

DEPARTMENT / DIVISION ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

MAJOR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR 2003


	1. Current and Long-Range Planning strives to manage new growth/redevelopment and to coordinate this with the timing of necessary public improvements. These efforts promote compatible development that supports balanced growth and maintains the unique character of the Lawrence community. 2. Completion of the Long-Range Transportation Plan update will provide policies for: integration of access management practices in current development proposals; a systematic review of multi-modal infrastructure needs; and, a program to address pedestrian and bicycle needs in project (public and private) development. 3. Completion of the Development Code and Adequate Public Facilities Study will provide the missing links necessary to achieve the flexibility needed to address differently but equally growth issues on the fringes from those occurring as in-fill development in established neighborhoods and commercial/business centers. 4. Historic Preservation Planning is a tool that allows the City of Lawrence to maintain the long-term viability of Downtown and the livability of the adjacent neighborhoods. The City’s historic preservation efforts maintain Lawrence’s unique sense of place.

Linda M. Finger, Planning Director

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

2000 Actual

2001 Actual

2002 Estimated

2003 Projected

Comprehensive Plan updates

*Shading indicates positions funded from this account.

Code amendments

3.5

Transportation Planner and Transp. Planning Intern are funded 20% from Planning Department Budget.

Area development studies

Code Amendments:                                 2000 -- 3                      2001 -- 3                          2002 -- 3-5
Area/ Development Studies:                    2000 -- 2                      2001 -- 2                          2002 -- 1
Comprehensive Plan Updates:                2000 -- 1                      2001 -- 2                          2002 -- 3
Public Meetings held/attended on: Transportation Planning [ 45 meetings | averaging 235 staff hours]
                 CITY -- Land Use (Zoning & Subdivision) issues [ 110 meetings | averaging 2025 staff hours]
          COUNTY -- Land Use (Zoning & Subdivision) issues [ 42| averaging 190 staff hours ]
Coordination/Cooperation meetings attended with other public agencies:
             (Chamber, USD 497, Air Quality/Health Dept, KU) [ 40 | averaging 100 staff hours]
                                                                                        * estimate based on a rolling 12 month period