Burlington Strategic Development Plan
SBPC secured grant funds from the US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the City of Burlington to conduct a Strategic Development Plan in 2016-2017.
The planning and technical assistance grant provided the means for the city to engage consultants who provided professional planning services to aid the city in its growth and new development. The City of Burlington had extended its city limits to include two new land developments in 2012 - almost 755 acres added in to the city limits – a 280% increase in city corporate limits. The added land included two different developments - Harvest Heights and Highlands Ranch.
A comprehensive plan is important for many reasons. The North Dakota Century Code requires cities, townships and counties to have a comprehensive plan. Without a comprehensive plan, any conflicts in zoning ordinances between city officials and land developers may result in legal challenges and tensions in the community. The process of completing a Comprehensive Plan is just as important as the plan itself, as it allows the community to share in a collaborative effort with city leaders to move forward with the same goals and visions. The plan was aimed at protecting and enhancing the quality of life for the Burlington community.
Plan Abstract
Beginning in the fall of 2016, plans began taking shape after a public hearing that allowed stakeholders an opportunity to express their desires for the community. Key stakeholders were interviewed and provided an inside perspective of the community in which they live.
City Council, city staff, and consulting staff worked with SBPC discussing key issues, developing goals and objectives, and an implementation strategy for the keepers of the plan.
This Strategic Development Plan is the first of its kind for Burlington. It represents a dynamic roadmap for setting priorities and guiding city staff and elected officials toward reaching targeted goals. It begins to engage the parties at the table to realize the fullest potential for a community and develop a mission statement to “Build a Better Burlington”.
Project Partners
EDA
City of Burlington
DeSour Valley Economic Development, Inc.
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