Fostering Fiscal Predictability: Comprehensive Plan to Development Code

Course Details

A city government is similar to a corporation in that it adopts a budget each year and accounts for expenditures as well as revenues from taxes and fees. Cities must account for short-term, long-term, and ongoing costs, such as maintenance, public safety, and general administration.

Development prompts the provision of roadways, utilities, and other infrastructure. Often the initial costs to pave a roadway or install infrastructure are paid for by developers; however, long-term and ongoing infrastructure maintenance costs are the responsibility of the city and, therefore, the taxpaying citizens.

By incorporating fiscal responsibility as a core value, from long-range planning to future patterns of private development, communities can shape more financially resilient cities and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability for the their bottom line.

Learning Outcomes

• Educate citizens and city leadership to visualize public policy to ensure a city's sustainable financial future.
• Identify future revenue impacts of new proposed developments at both citywide and parcel-level perspectives as well as the impact on the city’s bottom line.
• Update land-development regulations to ensure stronger fiscal predictability and foster a higher return on investment for a community.