As an expert in urban planning and local government, I have had the opportunity to witness the rapid growth and development of Chandler, Arizona firsthand. With a population of over 260,000, it is the fourth largest city in Arizona and continues to attract new residents and businesses each year. As the city continues to grow, it is crucial for local government officials to have a clear process for addressing and managing this growth. In this article, I will share my insights on the governance in Chandler, Arizona and how it effectively handles the challenges of growth and development.
The Role of Local Government
Before delving into the specific process for addressing growth and development in Chandler, it is important to understand the role of local government in this process.The City of Chandler operates under a council-manager form of government, where elected officials (the City Council) are responsible for setting policies and making decisions, while a professional city manager is responsible for implementing those policies and managing day-to-day operations. The City Council consists of seven members, including the Mayor and six Councilmembers. They are elected by the citizens of Chandler to serve four-year terms. The City Manager is appointed by the City Council and serves as the chief executive officer of the city.
The Comprehensive Plan
The first step in managing growth and development in Chandler is through the Comprehensive Plan. This plan serves as a guide for future development and outlines the city's vision for land use, transportation, economic development, and other important factors.The Comprehensive Plan is updated every 10 years to ensure that it reflects the current needs and goals of the city. The Comprehensive Plan is developed with input from various stakeholders, including residents, business owners, developers, and city staff. This collaborative approach allows for a well-rounded plan that takes into account the needs and concerns of all parties involved.
Zoning and Development Regulations
Once the Comprehensive Plan is in place, the next step is to establish zoning and development regulations. Zoning is the process of dividing land into different districts or zones, each with its own set of regulations for what can be built there. This helps to ensure that development is consistent with the city's vision and goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. The City of Chandler has a zoning ordinance that outlines the specific regulations for each zone, including setbacks, building height, and permitted uses.This ordinance is regularly updated to reflect changes in the city's needs and goals. In addition to zoning, the city also has development regulations in place to ensure that new construction meets certain standards for design, landscaping, and other factors. These regulations help to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the city and promote sustainable development.
The Development Review Process
Once a developer has a project that complies with the Comprehensive Plan, zoning, and development regulations, they must go through the development review process. This process involves multiple departments within the city, including Planning, Engineering, Fire, and Building Safety. Each department reviews the project to ensure that it meets all applicable codes and regulations. The City of Chandler has a Development Services Department that oversees this process and serves as a one-stop shop for developers.This department coordinates with all other departments involved in the review process to streamline the process and provide a single point of contact for developers.
Public Input
Throughout the entire process of addressing growth and development in Chandler, public input is highly valued. The city encourages residents to get involved by attending public meetings, providing feedback on proposed projects, and participating in surveys and focus groups. The City Council also holds regular meetings where residents can voice their opinions and concerns. These meetings are open to the public and provide an opportunity for citizens to directly address their elected officials.Challenges and Solutions
As with any growing city, Chandler faces its fair share of challenges when it comes to managing growth and development. One of the biggest challenges is balancing the need for economic development with preserving the city's unique character and quality of life. To address this challenge, the city has implemented various strategies, such as promoting infill development in already developed areas, encouraging mixed-use developments, and preserving open space and natural resources. Another challenge is managing traffic and transportation as the city continues to grow.To address this, the city has invested in improving its transportation infrastructure, including expanding major roadways and implementing a comprehensive transportation plan that includes public transit options.
