Vancouver staff pitch 'community feel,' equity goals as part of comprehensive-plan update

City staff briefed the Vancouver City Council on May 12 on draft comprehensive-plan goals that center “community feel” alongside equity and inclusion, outlining policy approaches that staff say will guide the city’s decisions and investments over the coming decades.

At a council workshop, Dominique Martinelli, a staff member, told council that the package groups policies under four themes — social infrastructure, inclusive and affirming environments, community preparedness and innovation — and that the community-driven “community feel” concept aims to address how public spaces and the built environment support belonging. “It’s how do you feel when you walk out your front door,” Martinelli said.

The presentation explained why the city added a distinct “community feel” chapter…