Nearly a year after the City of Sparks completed a seven month outreach program to obtain input from Sparks residents on a plan designed to guide Sparks through 2030, the Sparks Planning Commission approved a new comprehensive plan at its Aug. 18 meeting. The commission heard from city planners detailing the elements of the master plan that would go in effect following review and final adoption by the Sparks City Council.
The effort included online surveys taken by more than 2,600 to express their opinions on priorities the city should focus on over the next 15 years. Utilizing a team of champions and communication with business entities, outreach efforts strived to reflect the community’s demographics, including age and ethnicity. In addition, a cross section of the city by ward was also secured. On-site outreach efforts including Sparks Hometowne Christmas, Sparks Flea Market, the Boys and Girls Club and presentations to community organizations took place throughout the process.
“We’re not the type of place that sits back and watches what’s happening. We take ownership of our destiny and this comprehensive plan is an excellent example of that,” Sparks Mayor Geno Martini said. “Our team has tackled this head on and in less than a year has developed a road map for our city’s future. With this plan, we’ll be able to continue to position our city as a leader within the region.”
The comprehensive plan’s vision is to combine elements throughout the city into a roadmap for future planning including land uses, integration of a multi-modal roadway network, creation of a vibrant downtown, maintaining city facilities and amenities, ensuring a safe community and sustaining the city’s budget. The land use map condenses the land use categories from 61 existing categories into 20 broader categories designed make administration easier while giving more flexibility to the plan. The plan also includes 121 new goals and policies to guide the city’s growth and sustainability throughout all departments.
It is anticipated the Sparks City Council will review and have the opportunity to affirm the Planning Commission’s decision later this fall.
For more information, visit online at IgniteSparksNV.com.
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