4.4 Plan Implementation Challenges

Question 1

Traditional comprehensive plans have been criticized for not connecting goals and policies to actual implementation. An alternative is _______________ which ties actions to timetables, activities, budgets, and agencies. Effectiveness is reported to the public, and plans are adjusted accordingly.

Answer 1

Accountable Implementation

Question 2

Name five (5) examples of strategies for accountable implementation

Answer 2

• Connect plan implementation to the capital planning process.
• Connect plan implementation to the annual budgeting process.
• Establish interagency and organizational cooperation.
• Identify funding sources for plan implementation.
• Establish implementation indicators, benchmarks, and targets.
• Regularly evaluate and report on implementation progress.
• Adjust the plan as necessary based on the evaluation.

Question 3

List the two main categories of plan implementation evaluation___________ Though they are distinct, they can both be used in plan evaluation.

Answer 3

• Conformance-based evaluation
• Performance-based evaluation

Question 4

Conformance-based evaluation

Answer 4

Conformance-based evaluation is more literal and sees planning as having the ability to control future development. Plans are viewed as blueprints, and the more outcomes (like land use patterns) conform with plans, the more successful the plan has been. One variation is to evaluate the achievement of goals like “improve access to parks”—access might be improved overall, but not in strict accordance with a land use plan.

Question 5

Performance-based evaluation

Answer 5

Performance-based evaluation views plans as decision-making tools more in line with the incrementalism of Charles E. Lindblom. The achievement of end-state goals are not the main concern. Any result that is deemed desirable could be considered a success.