Payson Roundup

How do you get to work or school? Where do you live? Where do you shop? Many citizens do not realize that these decisions are all impacted by planning.

October has been designated National Community Planning Month by the American Planning Association (APA), the State of Arizona, and the Town of Payson as a way to highlight the role of planners and planning in our community. This year’s theme is “Green Communities,” acknowledging that planners play a vital role in creating sustainable and environmentally-friendly communities—from how you commute to the parks you enjoy.

Planning is the process of envisioning, mapping or otherwise conceiving how a community will look, grow, and define itself—its characteristics, attributes, and identity. As our communities continue to change and grow, planners play an important role in ensuring that new developments are designed and built in harmony with existing surroundings. Planners must carefully balance the needs and desires of residents against the challenges presented by growth and change not just in the physical realm, but also economically and socially.

The American Planning Association represents more than 44,000 members including professional planners, academics, business leaders, students and engaged citizens. APA advocates for good planning practices to keep communities safe, healthy, and prosperous. To learn more about National Community Planning Month, visit www.planning.org/ncpm.

Residents of Payson are invited to share in the spirit of National Community Planning Month by learning more about various planning documents available to the community. Visit the Town of Payson website at www.ci.payson.az.us. You can review the Payson Goal Plan, General Plan, proposed development projects, subscribe to email updates or just drop us a line to let us know how we can serve you better.