Introduction
Local governments play a vital role in shaping the communities they serve. They are in charge of offering services, including land use planning, infrastructure, and public safety. In the United States, there are many forms of local government, each with its unique characteristics and responsibilities. This paper will examine two forms of local government in Florida, a city government and a county government, and analyze their impact on planning. Additionally, this paper will discuss the planning process used by each government and the outcomes of their planning efforts. Finally, this paper will explore a biblical viewpoint on the methodology chosen and use scripture to support the position.
Description of Local Government 1: City Government
A city government is a type of local government that governs a specific geographical area known as a city. In Florida, there are over 400 cities of various sizes and populations; Miami has a population of around 463000, while Gulfport has a population of just more than 12000 (Rozance, 2019). In the United States, city governments are the most popular type of local government. Cities are generally incorporated entities with defined boundaries and at least 1,000 residents (Rozance, 2019). They are usually managed by a mayor and city council, which the city’s inhabitants choose.
City governments can control property use within municipal boundaries, manage city budgets, provide public services such as police and fire protection, and enact laws and rules to govern the city. Furthermore, local governments frequently have the authority to impose taxes, including property taxes, to pay for these services. One of the critical duties of municipal governments is to draft and implement land use plans and zoning rules to manage the city’s growth and development (Bibri et al., 2020). These goals and ideas are often developed through a thorough planning process that includes people, companies, and other stakeholders. The whole planning process guarantees that the city grows sustainably, benefiting both its citizens and the environment.
Impact on Planning
Within their authority, city administrations play an important role in land use planning. They are in charge of developing and implementing zoning regulations that govern land use in the city. They also create and implement detailed plans that govern the town’s future growth and development. Planning and stewardship are biblical concepts that correspond with being accountable for and caring for the resources God has supplied humanity. According to Proverbs 21:5: “The plans of the diligent lead to wealth, while everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001). This passage emphasizes the significance of preparing and being deliberate in activities. In this case, the biblical viewpoint supports the actions of city administrations. Furthermore, local governments frequently have the authority to accept or prohibit development plans within their jurisdiction.
City governments have a significant influence on the planning process in their jurisdiction. City governments utilize a comprehensive planning procedure that provides a comprehensive and coordinated approach to land use planning and zoning control. This helps guarantee that the city is built in a way that fits the community’s needs and aspirations while conserving the environment and fostering long-term growth (Bibri et al., 2020). City governments are also critical in ensuring that new development is consistent with the city’s general vision and aspirations for the future. City governments may create a blueprint for future growth and development by participating in the comprehensive planning process. It considers the community’s requirements and goals and the restrictions and possibilities offered by the physical and social environments.
Use of Planning Process
To steer the growth and development of their communities, city administrations often adopt a comprehensive planning process. This process entails soliciting community feedback, performing research and analysis, and developing a long-term strategy for the city. The comprehensive plan is reviewed and modified regularly to reflect community developments and to ensure that it remains relevant and practicable (Banner & Stout, 2019). Typically, the first phase is to examine the city’s present status and identify any existing difficulties or potential for change. Following that, the city administration will set goals and objectives for the town’s future, taking into account the community’s needs and ambitions and the restrictions and possibilities offered by the physical and natural surroundings.
Following that, the city administration will create a set of plans and regulations to guide future development and expansion in a way that is consistent with the city’s aims and objectives (Banner & Stout, 2019). These plans and rules are updated and altered regularly to stay current and practical. City governments may present a clear and cohesive vision for the future and steer the development of their communities through the comprehensive planning process.
Which Planning Type Is Used, and What Description?
The city of Miami, Florida, uses a comprehensive planning approach. This method explores the community’s needs, resources, and possibilities. The city’s comprehensive plan is a long-term blueprint that directs Miami’s growth and development. It covers land use, transportation, housing, and natural resources and is revised every five years to guarantee that it stays current and valuable (Bonakdar & Audirac, 2019). Cities frequently refer to the comprehensive planning process as incremental planning. Incremental planning is a style of planning that focuses on making little, incremental adjustments over time rather than making significant, abrupt changes (Caird, S. P & Hallett, 2018). City governments’ comprehensive planning process often comprises total modifications and updates to the city’s plans and laws over time rather than a single, large-scale reform.
This strategy enables the city administration to adapt to changes in the community and environment over time while keeping the city’s plans and ordinances current and realistic. Residents and businesses can contribute input and feedback at various phases of the planning process, allowing for increased cooperation and involvement with the community (Pineo et al., 2019). City governments may guarantee that a clear and cohesive vision for the future drives the development of their communities. Cities also adapt to the changing needs and want of the community over time by adopting incremental planning. A biblical verse that aligns with this idea is Proverbs 29:18, which states, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001). This verse highlights the importance of having a clear and meaningful vision for the future, which is reflected in the city’s approach to planning. To be more precise, according to the biblical worldview, planning is an integral part of committing any deeds.
Outcomes From Planning
The city of Miami’s comprehensive planning method has successfully managed the town’s growth and development. The plan has assisted in ensuring that the new product aligns with the city’s vision and aspirations (Banner & Stout, 2019). It has also contributed to preserving the city’s natural resources and historic areas. Furthermore, the city’s master plan has aided in the improvement of transportation and infrastructure, making Miami more livable and sustainable. The consequences of local governments’ comprehensive planning processes can be meaningful and far-reaching.
City governments may guarantee that the development of their communities is driven by a clear and cohesive vision for the future and that this vision is represented in the city’s plans and regulations by taking a holistic approach. This contributes to developing a more livable, sustainable, and dynamic community that fits the needs and wishes of inhabitants, companies, and other stakeholders (Bonakdar & Audirac, 2019). Furthermore, by involving the community in the planning process, municipal governments may promote a feeling of ownership and interest in the future of the town, leading to increased civic engagement and involvement. Overall, municipal governments’ thorough planning process helps to guarantee that a clear and cohesive vision for the future guides their communities’ development. Furthermore, this concept is backed by the community as a whole.
Description of Local Government 2: County Government
A county government is a local government with authority over a specified geographic region known as a county. Counties are generally established by the state government and deliver various services to the people under their jurisdiction. There are 67 counties in Florida, each with its size and population; Miami-Dade has a population of over 2.7 million, while Liberty has a population of just over 8000 (Banner & Stout, 2019). County governments play an essential role in the development and planning of the towns under their authority. In contrast, municipal governments primarily concentrate on land use and zoning inside city bounds.
County governments have a broader emphasis that includes a more significant geographic region and a wider variety of services and duties. This entails, among other things, providing healthcare, regulating roads and highways, and supervising the administration of justice (Bibri et al., 2020). Given the breadth of their responsibilities, county governments must strike a balance between the needs and aims of the areas under their control and the more significant interests of the county. County governments often participate in a thorough planning process that considers the different requirements and aspirations of the areas under their jurisdiction to achieve this balance. County governments may use the comprehensive planning process to guarantee that the development of their communities is guided by a clear and cohesive vision for the future while simultaneously conserving the environment.
Impact on Planning
County governments have a prominent role in land use planning within their jurisdiction. They are in charge of developing and implementing zoning regulations that govern land use in the county (Pineo et al., 2019). They also establish and implement detailed strategies that govern the county’s future growth and development. Furthermore, county governments frequently have the authority to accept or prohibit development plans within their jurisdiction, and they may also offer services such as transportation and infrastructure upkeep. Given their broad breadth of responsibilities and the vast geographic region they control, county governments may substantially affect planning (Pineo et al., 2019). County governments play an essential role in determining the development of the towns under their control. Their actions can have far-reaching implications for the citizens, companies, and the environment under their authority.
County governments can also impact land use and zoning choices, which affect the sorts of development that occur within their jurisdiction. County governments, for example, may support sustainable development techniques or emphasize preserving vital natural regions such as wetlands or animal habitats (Bonakdar & Audirac, 2019). By doing so, county governments may assist in shaping their communities’ character and quality of life, as well as encourage sustainable development methods that benefit both citizens and the environment. County governments, via their influence on planning, play an essential role in determining the destiny of the communities under their jurisdiction and encouraging a more livable, sustainable, and dynamic future for all.
Use of Planning Process
To steer the growth and development of their communities, county governments often adopt a detailed planning process. This process entails soliciting community feedback, performing research and analysis, and developing a long-term strategy for the county (Bonakdar & Audirac, 2019). The comprehensive plan is reviewed and modified regularly to reflect community developments and to ensure that it remains relevant and practicable. The utilization of the complete planning process by county governments reflects their extensive duties and the need to balance the needs and aspirations of the areas under their authority (Temeljotov & Lindkvist, 2020). County governments may use this process to collect and evaluate data, involve stakeholders and the public, and build a shared vision for the future of their communities.
Typically, this process includes undertaking a thorough inventory and analysis of present circumstances, soliciting public input and feedback, and generating a vision for the future. The resultant plan is then used to guide decision-making and inform the creation of policies, programs, and initiatives that promote the shared future vision (Bibri et al., 2020). County governments using the comprehensive planning process assist in guaranteeing that the development of their communities is driven by a clear and coherent vision for the future and that the community as a whole supports this goal.
Which Planning Type Is Used, and What Description?
Miami-Dade County, Florida, employs an incremental planning strategy. Rather than developing a comprehensive plan, this strategy entails minor modifications and enhancements to the community over time. Land use, transportation, housing, and natural resources are part of the county’s plan (Bonakdar & Audirac, 2019). The curriculum is revised yearly to suit community changes and needs. County governments adopt a comprehensive planning strategy to guarantee that a clear and cohesive vision for the future guides their communities’ growth. This vision, however, is shaped by the needs and ambitions of the people under its care.
This method often entails a thorough and data-driven study of present situations and substantial involvement with stakeholders and the general public (Wilke et al., 2021). The resultant plan is then used to guide decision-making and inform the creation of policies, programs, and initiatives that promote the shared future vision. This holistic strategy is distinguished by a long-term perspective and a dedication to making data-driven, educated decisions that benefit the community (Wilke et al., 2021). County governments may use the comprehensive planning approach to guarantee that their communities’ growth is driven by a clear and cohesive vision for the future and that the community as a whole supports this goal.
Outcomes From Planning
The county of Miami-incremental Dade’s planning method has successfully met the community’s evolving demands. It enables flexibility and adaptation in reacting to the community’s needs and concerns. The plan has also aided in the preservation of the county’s natural resources and historic districts. Furthermore, the county’s initiative has contributed to improving transportation and infrastructure, making Miami-Dade more livable and sustainable. The outputs of county governments’ comprehensive planning processes can be far-reaching and have a beneficial influence on the communities under their authority in various ways (Temeljotov & Lindkvist, 2020). This approach guarantees that the growth of these communities is driven by a clear and coherent vision for the future and that the needs and aspirations of the communities’ citizens and businesses shape that vision.
Furthermore, this method can encourage sustainable development practices and assist in balancing the interests of many stakeholders within the country. By leading the creation of policies, initiatives, and projects that support the shared vision for the future, county governments may also create a more livable, sustainable, and bright future for all (Wilke et al., 2021). The complete planning process can allow for a thorough evaluation of the community’s current and long-term goals, leading to a well-informed and effective use of resources. This aligns with the biblical principle of good stewardship as outlined in Genesis 1:28, where God commanded humanity to be good stewards of the earth and its resources (English Standard Version Bible, 2001). County governments may assist in defining the character and quality of life in their communities via comprehensive planning, promoting a more livable, sustainable, and dynamic future for all.
Conclusion
Finally, via land use planning, municipal and county governments play an essential role in developing the communities they serve. The city and county governments use various methods of planning. The city utilizes comprehensive planning, while the county uses incremental planning. Both techniques have successfully addressed the community’s increasing demands while protecting natural resources and developing infrastructure. From a biblical standpoint, planning and stewardship are synonymous with being accountable for and caring for the assistance that God has granted humanity.
References
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