Commission discusses using 2024 comprehensive plan to prioritize work program

Carlos Trejo, director of the Planning & Community Development Department, reviewed the 2024 comprehensive plan framework and told the commission the plan should be used to justify and tie commission recommendations to stated goals and objectives. Commissioners asked for an iterative priority list or annual goals so the commission can focus on major topics (for example: accessory dwelling units, housing/lot-size policy, signage/Olive Boulevard identity, sustainability) rather than only responding ad hoc to items that arise. Commissioners and staff discussed quarterly check-ins, a short slide summary at meetings, and presenting projects with explicit links to the relevant plan objectives so each application shows which plan goals it advances. Staff noted the plan is intentionally generalized and represents community goals rather than neighborhood-level priorities; commissioners suggested starting the year with a strategic session to identify the biggest gaps—several commissioners recommended a focus on “connectedness and sense of place.” No ordinance or formal change was enacted during the Sept. 4 discussion; staff said they will draft a prioritized to-do list and return with recommended scheduling for topics and objectives.