Successful Planning

• Businesses: Businesses are important contributors to the economy of the community and they have a stake in the future of the community. They contribute their expertise in economic development and their knowledge of the market. They serve the purpose of ensuring that the comprehensive plan is supportive of economic growth. Their influence can be seen in the policies that are included in the comprehensive plan that are designed to attract businesses and create jobs. The second-order consequences of their involvement can be seen in the economic prosperity of the community.
• Non-profit organizations: Non-profit organizations are often the voice of the most vulnerable members of the community and they have a stake in the future of the community. They contribute their expertise in social services and their knowledge of the needs of the community. They serve the purpose of ensuring that the comprehensive plan is responsive to the needs of all members of the community. Their influence can be seen in the priorities that are set for the community and in the projects that are funded. The second-order consequences of their involvement can be seen in the quality of life that is enjoyed by all members of the community.

In addition to these primary stakeholders, there are a number of other stakeholders who can influence the development of a comprehensive plan. These include:

• Community leaders: Community leaders can influence the comprehensive plan by providing their support and by helping to build consensus.
• Media: The media can influence the comprehensive plan by raising awareness of the plan and by reporting on its progress.
• Special interest groups: Special interest groups can influence the comprehensive plan by advocating for their own priorities.

The factors that can influence comprehensive plan development include:

• The political climate: The political climate can influence the comprehensive plan by determining the level of support for the plan and by shaping the priorities that are included in the plan.
• The economic climate: The economic climate can influence the comprehensive plan by determining the resources that are available to implement the plan and by shaping the priorities that are included in the plan.
• The social climate: The social climate can influence the comprehensive plan by determining the values that are reflected in the plan and by shaping the priorities that are included in the plan.

The biblical viewpoint concerning planning is that it is a wise and important activity. The Bible teaches that we should be good stewards of the resources that God has given us, and that we should plan for the future. The book of Proverbs says, "The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord" (Proverbs 16:1). This verse teaches that we should have plans for our lives, but that we should also be open to the Lord's guidance. The book of Ecclesiastes says, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). This verse teaches that we should plan for the future, but that we should also be flexible and adaptable. The biblical viewpoint on planning is that it is a wise and important activity, but that it should be done in a way that is humble and open to the Lord's guidance.