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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIVc_Vision Statement MemoAttachment No. 4 Workshop Memo Community Development Department CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 100 Civic Center Drive Newport Beach, California 92660 949 644-3200 newportbeachca.gov/communitydevelopment Memorandum To: Co-Chairs Evans and Greer, and GPAC Members From: Benjamin M. Zdeba, AICP, Planning Manager Date: September 26, 2024 Re: October 2, 2024, GPAC Meeting Agenda Item No. IV(c) – Vision Statement Updated Draft ________________________________________________________________ At your previous regular meeting on September 4, 2024, Dudek and City staff presented an initial draft of the Vision Statement for the full GPAC to review. This Vision Statement serves to identify the vision for Newport Beach in 2050. The initial draft was structured and refined based on comments received prior to the meeting from the GPAC Vision Statement Subcommittee. After valuable discussion from the GPAC, the majority voted to allow Dudek and City staff to proceed with revising the initial draft and bring it back to the GPAC for review. Revisions have been made to the draft text, which is attached to this memo for your consideration. As a reminder, while this is currently being considered a “final draft,” receiving and filing of this version does not in fact finalize it. As we proceed through Phase Two of the General Plan Update process, the Vision Statement can change and refresh. Ultimately, the City Council will consider the broader community input to determine whether this Vision Statement is appropriately written to guide the future of Newport Beach. Enclosure: 1) Vision Statement Final Draft 2) Vision Statement Redline-Strikeout Vision Statement and Guiding Values and Priorities The development of the General Plan has been guided by the Vision Statement and Guiding Values and Priorities that were shaped through community input provided by the General Plan Advisory Committee, the General Plan Update Steering Committee, and the broader community. Together, these provide the foundation for the General Plan’s goals, policies, and actions. The Vision Statement provides a conceptual picture of a future Newport Beach in the year 2050. The Guiding Values and Priorities are representative of aspirational themes that are emphasized throughout the General Plan. Through the implementation of the policies of the General Plan, Newport Beach will have the potential to become an exceptional city. VISION STATEMENT In the year 2050, Newport Beach is renowned as a coastal beacon of natural splendor, unparallelled amenities, and dynamic culture. The City maintains a superior quality of life by successfully balancing the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. Newport Beach is a distinguished city adorned with unique villages, coastal amenities, and natural open spaces; creating a unique sense of place in an idyllic setting. A destination for many, Newport Beach offers a sophisticated lifestyle with access to luxury amenities and activities. Newport Beach’s commitment to the protection of the natural environment has made the city a leader of environmental stewardship in the region. Strong partnerships with outside agencies and organizations have cultivated successful collaboration on regional transportation, land use, coastline, and other issues of mutual concern. The sweeping views of and access to beaches, the harbor, and the coast have been preserved and are maintained for future generations. Growth and development have been accommodated in a manner that seamlessly blends new and old into the fabric of the community, keeping pace with changing community needs while maintaining adequate infrastructure and a high quality of life. The needs of the community are met through a variety of strategically located uses including vibrant commercial services, offices and employment centers, public facilities including community centers and libraries, parks and open space, schools, residential neighborhoods, and visitor-serving uses. Strategic planning and infrastructure investments continue to protect the health and longevity of the built and natural environment. Adaptation and resilience are central to all decision-making and have empowered Newport Beach to maintain a vibrant coastal lifestyle that strengthens the local economy. The City’s world-class public safety services safeguard its residents and visitors, creating safe and friendly neighborhoods. Residents champion arts, culture, and education as pillars of the community and take pride in their historic legacy. The community embraces innovation and their outlook as a thought-leader has positioned them as frontrunners in best practices for adopting new technologies. Newport Beach is distinguished for its beauty, culture, resilience, and inclusivity for residents of all stages of life and backgrounds. GUIDING VALUES AND PRIORITIES Throughout the General Plan Update process, community members identified many shared aspirations and beliefs, which have been shaped into Guiding Values and Priorities. These guiding Values and Priorities help to achieve the community’s vision, providing a foundation for General Plan goals, policies, and actions, and offering guidance in making future decisions. 1. Maintain a Balanced and Connected Community Conservative and balanced growth that emphasizes residents’ quality of life and connects community members to their needs, creating a city that is functional and vibrant. 1.1 A governmental process that engages and is responsive to the needs of residents and the business community, fostering civic engagement 1.2 Conservative development that preserves and highlights local assets and accommodates growth of a diverse population 1.3 Development that protects the small character of existing residential communities and villages that comprise the City 1.4 A connected transportation network that allows community members to easily access key amenities 1.5 Multi-modal transportation networks that are clearly defined and connect the community to key areas of interest 1.6 Incentives and regulations that encourage improvements to existing buildings 1.7 Residential development that is complemented by accommodating services and amenities while protecting existing villages 1.8 A small, tight-knit community that benefits from strong social connections 2. Foster Environmental Stewardship Environmental stewardship supports the preservation and enhancement of the natural environment, so that it may be enjoyed by current and future generations. 2.1 Residents that act as stewards of the natural environment 2.2 A community that protects and maintains a clean environment, including water, beaches, the harbor and bay, estuaries, cliffs and bluffs, parks, and open space, as well as the flora and fauna that inhabit the natural environment 2.3 A harbor, bay, and beaches that are safe, clean, and enjoyed by all 2.4 Equitable access to natural resources that offers recreation and refuge for all residents 2.5 Viewsheds that are safeguarded and work in harmony with development to protect views for all residents and visitors to enjoy 2.6 Clean air that protects and enhances public health and the environment 2.7 A community that is protected from excessive exposure to noise to protect peace and quiet in residential communities and villages 3. Promote Coastal Resilience Resilience is essential to adapting to environmental changes and protecting the built and natural environment. 3.1 Coastal development that works with nature to protect and enhance the community, economy, and ecosystems 3.2 Harbor, beaches, and a coastline that adapts to rising sea levels, storms, and king tides 3.3 Buildings and infrastructure that are designed to avoid, withstand, and quickly recover from flooding 3.4 Coastal ecosystems that are functional and protected, providing additional safeguards for coastal waterfront development 3.5 Adaptive development along coastal bluffs with landscaping and infrastructure that reduces risk of landslides 3.6 Sufficient safety buffers, thoughtful design in development, and robust infrastructure that supports effective response to natural disasters 4. Facilitate Public Safety Community safety is fostered through public education, infrastructure investments, and sufficient public services. 4.1 Safe streets, buildings, and public spaces that are enjoyed by residents, employees, and visitors 4.2 National leaders in emergency response and preparedness to safeguard the community 4.3 A community that is prepared and well-informed in the event of an emergency 4.4 A strong sense of community that fosters communication among residents to support one another in an emergency 5. Embrace Innovative Technologies Innovative technologies benefit cities when they are planned for and thoughtfully integrated into city decisions, regulations, and development. 5.1 A city that embraces and prepares for new and emerging technologies in communication, program management, transportation, and other innovative opportunities 5.2 Technology that is effectively leveraged to engage with community members, respond to emerging trends and needs, and track General Plan implementation 5.3 Infrastructure that supports emerging technologies that contribute to enhanced environmental quality 5.4 Regulations and measures that support new technologies while protecting public safety and quality of life 6. Celebrate Art, Culture, and History Culture, art, and history make up the tapestry that bonds the community together and creates a sense of civic pride. 6.1 Art that is highlighted throughout the city representing the common language and shared experiences that exist between all cultures 6.2 History that is commemorated through community events and within public spaces 6.3 A community that is rich in public facilities that support educational opportunities and historic, artistic, and culture events, displays, and showcases 6.4 A community with interest, knowledge, and connection to the City’s history, including its early foundation of Tribal nations 7. Administer Financial Resources Responsibly Fiscal responsibility supports an efficient use of resources to help maintain economic stability and prosperity within the community. 7.1 A secure economy with a broad revenue base supported through a variety of sources 7.2 A city that attracts business and tourism that financially benefits the local economy 7.3 Local businesses that are supported to maintain the City’s unique sense of character Vision Statement and Guiding Values and Priorities The development of the General Plan has been guided by the Vision Statement and Guiding Values and Priorities that were shaped through community input provided by the General Plan Advisory Committee, the General Plan Update Steering Committee, and the broader community. Together, these provide the foundation for the General Plan’s goals, policies, and actions. The Vision Statement provides a conceptual picture of a future Newport Beach in the year 2050. The Guiding Values and Priorities are representative of aspirational themes that are emphasized throughout the General Plan. Through the implementation of the policies of the General Plan, Newport Beach will have the potential to become an exceptional city. VISION STATEMENT In the year 2050, Newport Beach is renowned as a coastal beacon of natural splendor, unparallelled amenities, and dynamic culture. The Ccity maintains a superior quality of life by successfully balancing the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. Newport Beach is a distinguished city adorned with unique villages, coastal amenities, and natural open spaces; creating a unique sense of place in an idyllic setting. The coast, natural open spaces, various villages, beaches, harbor, topography, and proximity to the ocean distinguish Newport Beach as an idyllic community. A destination for many, Newport Beach offers a sophisticated lifestyle with access to luxury amenities and activities. Newport Beach’s commitment to the protection of the natural environment has made the city a leader of environmental stewardship in the region. Strong partnerships with outside agencies and organizations have cultivated successful collaboration on regional transportation, land use, coastline, and other issues of mutual concern. The sweeping views of and access to beaches, the harbor, and the coast have been preserved and are maintained for future generations. Growth and development have been accommodated in a manner that seamlessly blends new and old into the fabric of the community, keeping pace with changing community needs while maintaining adequate infrastructure and a high quality of life. The needs of the community are met through a variety of strategically located uses including vibrant commercial services, offices and employment centers, public facilities including community centers and libraries, parks and open space, schools, residential neighborhoods, and visitor-serving uses. Strategic planning and infrastructure investments continue to protect the health and longevity of the built and natural environment. Adaptation and resilience are central to all decision-making and have empowered Newport Beach to maintain a vibrant coastal lifestyle that strengthens the local economy. The City’s world-class public safety services safeguard its residents and visitors, creating safe and friendly neighborhoods. Residents champion arts, culture, and education as pillars of the community and take pride in their historic legacy. The community embraces innovation and their progressive outlook as a thought-leader has positioned them as frontrunners in best practices for adopting new technologies. Newport Beach is distinguished for its beauty, culture, resilience, and inclusivity for residents of all stages of life and backgrounds. GUIDING VALUES AND PRIORITIES Throughout the General Plan Update process, community members identified many shared aspirations and beliefs, which have been shaped into Guiding Values and Priorities. These guiding Values and Priorities help to achieve the community’s vision, providing a foundation for General Plan goals, policies, and actions, and offering guidance in making future decisions. 1. Maintain a Balanced and Connected Community Conservative and balanced growth that emphasizes residents’ quality of life and connects community members to their needs, creating a city that is functional and vibrant. 1.1 A governmental process that engages and is responsive to the needs of residents and the business community, fostering civic engagement 1.2 Conservative development that preserves and highlights local assets and accommodates growth of a diverse population 1.3 Development that protects the small character of existing residential communities and villages that comprise the cCity 1.4 A connected transportation network that allows community members to easily access key amenities 1.5 Multi-modal transportation networks that are clearly defined and connect the community to key areas of interest 1.6 Incentives and regulations that encourage improvements to existing buildings 1.7 Residential development that is complemented by accommodating services and amenities while protecting existing villages 1.8 A small, tight-knit community that benefits from strong social connections 2. Foster Environmental Stewardship Environmental stewardship supports the preservation and enhancement of the natural environment, so that it may be enjoyed by current and future generations. 2.1 Residents that act as stewards of the natural environment 2.2 A community that protects and maintains a clean environment, including water, beaches, the harbor and bay, estuaries, cliffs and bluffs, parks, and open space, as well as the flora and fauna that inhabit the natural environment 2.3 A harbor, bay, and beaches that are safe, clean, and enjoyed by all 2.4 Equitable access to natural resources that offers recreation and refuge for all residents 2.5 Viewsheds that are safeguarded and work in harmony with development to protect views for all residents and visitors to enjoy 2.6 Clean air that protects and enhances public health and the environment 2.7 A community that is protected from excessive exposure to noise to protect peace and quiet in residential communities and villages 3. Promote Coastal Resilience Resilience is essential to adapting to environmental changes and protecting the built and natural environment. 3.1 Coastal development that works with nature to protect and enhance the community, economy, and ecosystems 3.2 Harbor, beaches, and a coastline that adapts to rising sea levels, storms, and king tides 3.3 Buildings and infrastructure that are designed to avoid, withstand, and quickly recover from flooding 3.4 Coastal ecosystems that are functional and protected, providing additional safeguards for coastal waterfront development 3.5 Adaptive development along coastal bluffs with landscaping and infrastructure that reduces risk of landslides 3.6 Sufficient safety buffers, thoughtful design in development, and robust infrastructure that supports effective response to natural disasters 4. Facilitate Public Safety Community safety is fostered through public education, infrastructure investments, and sufficient public services. 4.1 Safe streets, buildings, and public spaces that are enjoyed by residents, employees, and visitors 4.2 National leaders in emergency response and preparedness to safeguard the community 4.3 A community that is prepared and well-informed in the event of an emergency 4.4 A strong sense of community that fosters communication among residents to support one another in an emergency 5. Embrace Innovative Technologies Innovative technologies benefit cities when they are planned for and thoughtfully integrated into city decisions, regulations, and development. 5.1 A city that embraces and prepares for new and emerging technologies in communication, program management, transportation, and other innovative opportunities 5.2 Technology that is effectively leveraged to engage with community members, respond to emerging trends and needs, and track General Plan implementation 5.3 Infrastructure that supports emerging technologies that contribute to enhanced environmental quality 5.4 Regulations and measures that support new technologies while protecting public safety and quality of life 6. Celebrate Art, Culture, and History Culture, art, and history make up the tapestry that bonds the community together and creates a sense of civic pride. 6.1 Art that is highlighted throughout the city representing the common language and shared experiences that exist between all cultures 6.2 History that is commemorated through community events and within public spaces 6.3 A community that is rich in public facilities that support educational opportunities and historic, artistic, and culture events, displays, and showcases 6.4 A community with interest, knowledge, and connection to the Ccity’s history, including its and the early legacy foundation of Tribal nations of the land 7. Administer Financial Resources Responsibly Fiscal responsibility supports an efficient use of resources to help maintain economic stability and prosperity within thea community. 7.1 A secure economy with a broad revenue base supported through a variety of sources 7.2 A cCity that attracts business and tourism that financially benefits the local economy 7.17.3 Local businesses that are supported to maintain the cCity’s unique sense of character From: Debbie Stevens <dstevens@envaudit.com> Sent: October 01, 2024 5:08 PM To: Zdeba, Benjamin <bzdeba@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: GPAC Meeting and Comments [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button above. I’ve reviewed the GPAC Agenda Package and offer the following comments: Overall, I like the Visions statement and have one suggesƟon. Page 31 of the Vision Statement, last sentence of the 1st paragraph. Suggested wording change “ . . . Newport will have the potenƟal to become remain an excepƟonal city . . .” Natural Resources and RecreaƟon Goals/Policies – there are other low/zero emission vehicles than electric (e.g., hydrogen) and we need to make sure that alternaƟves to electric vehicles are also considered. This is menƟoned in some of the goals but not others. Coastal Resilience and Safety Policies – Goal 4 page 56, suggest that we also reevaluate bluff stability and erosion condiƟons following wet/rainy seasons to check for changes. o Goal 4, page 58 – Include Buck Gully which is adjacent to Corona del Mar, and wildlife fire hazards are not just limited to Newport Coast. o Page 59, goal 7, Provide resources for home repair/rebuilds in areas prone to geologic hazards. (add the word “Provide”) Overall, I think the Vision Statement, and DraŌ Goals/Policies are a good place to start the public discussion. Thanks and sorry I’m missing the meeƟng. Debbie Stevens General Plan Advisory Committee - October 2, 2024 Item No. IVc and IVd - Additional Materials Received October 2, 2024, GPAC Agenda Item IV.c Comments The following comments on an item on the Newport Beach General Plan Advisory Committee agenda are submitted by: Jim Mosher (jimmosher@yahoo.com ), 2210 Private Road, Newport Beach 92660 (949-548-6229) Item IV.c. Vision Statement Updated Draft According to the September 4 GPAC minutes, I was the only member to vote “no” on the proposal to have Dudek complete the Vision Statement based on the feedback they’d heard. My reason for voting “no” was I thought the draft needed significant revision, and I preferred the alternative proposal, which was to send it back to the Vision Subcommittee for further discussion and work. Part of my problem is that Dudek originally proposed supplementing the vision statement with a set of “guiding principles” under which all policies would be developed. But what we have seems to be mostly a set of action-oriented statements rebranded as “guiding values.” The Glossary portion of Appendix E of the Office of Planning and Research’s General Plan Guidelines attempts to make the (not always clear) distinction between “principles” and the other parts of a general plan, including “goals,” “objectives,” “policies.” “implementation measures” and more, giving examples of each. The principles, it says, “underlie the process of developing the plan but seldom need to be explicitly stated in the plan itself.” Examples include such things as “Mixed use encourages urban vitality” – meaning the community in question sees mixed use as positive (whereas other communities might see it differently). As I said at the September 4 meeting, an example of a guiding principle for developing our general plan policies (if we were to agree to it) might be “When conflicts exist, Newport Beach places the interests of residents first, businesses second and visitors last.” Another possible principle I heard at the last meeting (which I would not agree with) might be “Maintaining an affluent, aspirational image is vital to the success of Newport Beach.” In the OPR sense of how these terms are used in planning, the single-numbered blue headings appear to be goals, the unnumbered line under them appears to state a related principle, and the decimal-numbered lists seem to state a series of sub-goals or objectives. I think it is important to agree on the principles before embarking on policy evaluation, revision and development, not after. Yet I am not at all sure that stating just seven principles sufficiently captures the multitude of (sometimes conflicting) values guiding our community’s development. I am concerned there has been, here, a rush to state goals and objectives (which may more properly belong in the individual elements) before fleshing out a comprehensive set of the agreed-upon principles underlying those goals. Next, I am concerned some of the prior vision has been lost, and I don’t know if the change is intentional. For example, the prior vision emphasized a hope that Newport Beach would remain a primarily residential community with a conservative growth strategy. Although no longer in the Vision Statement, the word “conservative” appears twice in the list of “Guiding Values and Priorities,” and there are allusions to emphasizing residents’ quality of life, the idea of the city being primarily residential seems to have been lost. Likewise, we read there will be “balance,” but without clarity as to what will be regarded as balance. General Plan Advisory Committee - October 2, 2024 IV.c - Additional Materials Received October 2, 2024, GPAC agenda Item IV.c comments - Jim Mosher Page 2 of 3 FInally, I am not entirely sure how the list of “Guiding Values and Priorities” is intended to be used. Will the goals, objectives and policies in the various elements cross-reference back to the list and indicate which value or priority guided each of them? It is not even clear to me how this document ties to the “goals” that Item IV.d on this agenda proposes to be presented at the public workshops. For example, Priority 2.4 (“Equitable access to natural resources that offers recreation and refuge for all residents”) seems to have been transformed in the latter document into the rather different Recreation Goal 2 (“New parks and connections that increase resident access to recreation, parks, and open space opportunities”). And as to either, do we have concern for visitors’ and non-residents’ access to resources? *** Setting these concerns aside, I have these specific comments: The opening paragraph preceding the Vision Statement seemed a bit disjointed to me, with sentences out of their logical order, creating unnecessary repetition. In addition, the final sentence concluding with Newport having “the potential to become an exceptional city” suggests Newport Beach is currently substandard and in need of improvement. I would suggest something like: “The development of the General Plan has been guided by a Vision Statement and a Guiding Values and Priorities list shaped through input from the General Plan Advisory Committee, the General Plan Update Steering Committee, and the broader community. The Vision Statement provides a conceptual picture of a future Newport Beach, looking back from the year 2050. The Guiding Values and Priorities list is representative of aspirational themes emphasized throughout the General Plan. Together, these provide the foundation for the General Plan’s goals, policies, and actions. Through them, Newport Beach will have the potential to develop, yet remain an exceptional city.” For those who don’t read that introductory paragraph explaining what the Vision Statement is, I believe the Statement itself (and its unexpected tense) would be better and more understandable if it began “The Newport Beach of 2050 is … “ I have not attempted to digest the remainder of the Vision Statement, but I would suggest some additional paragraphing might help with readability. I would also hope it might be enhanced with illustrations like the prior Vision Statement was. Regarding the list of Guiding Values and Priorities, I would note that the lines immediately under “1. Maintain a Balanced and Connected Community” constitute a verbless phrase similar to the Priorities 1.1 through 1.8 that appear under it (stated more as what the OPR might characterize as”goals” or “objectives”). This is in contrast to the lines that appear immediately under each of the remaining Guiding Values, which are all complete sentences, which is more consistent with the statement of a value or principle. To maintain consistency with the others, I would suggest changing this first one to something like: General Plan Advisory Committee - October 2, 2024 IV.c - Additional Materials Received October 2, 2024, GPAC agenda Item IV.c comments - Jim Mosher Page 3 of 3 “Conservative and balanced growth that emphasizes residents’ quality of life and connects community members to their needs, creating creates a city that is functional and vibrant.” In Priority 1.3, is protecting “the small character of existing residential communities and villages” intended to read “the small size of existing residential communities and villages”? Priorities 1.4 and 1.5 seem to be different statements of the same thing, and at the very least could be combined. Priority 1.8, seeking “A small, tight-knit community” seems to contradict Priority 1.3, seeking a collection of separate, small communities or villages. The “clean” part of Priority 2.3 seems to be redundant with Priority 2.2 It is not clear how the “access” of Priority 2.4 relates to “stewardship.” General Plan Advisory Committee - October 2, 2024 IV.c - Additional Materials Received