HomeMy WebLinkAboutIV(b) - GPAC Vision Statement Subcommittee Memo with EnclosuresAttachment No. 2
Vision Statement Subcommittee Memo w/ Enclosures
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, Principal Planner
Date: February 1, 2024
Re: GPAC Vision Statement Subcommittee Efforts
________________________________________________________________
The GPAC Vision Statement Subcommittee met on Tuesday, January 30, to
identify a chairperson and to review the Vision Existing Conditions and Background
Analysis Report. GPAC Member Debbie Stevens was identified as the Chair of this
Subcommittee and will provide an overview of the Subcommittee’s discussion and
any actions at your upcoming meeting on February 7.
Enclosed for your reference are the following materials:
1. Action Minutes from the Subcommittee Meeting on January 30;
2. PowerPoint Presentation from the Subcommittee Meeting on January 30;
3. Dudek’s Vision Existing Conditions and Background Analysis Report; and
4. Initial Comment Matrix from the Subcommittee’s Earlier Meetings.
The GPAC Vision Statement Subcommittee will be seeking feedback on the topic
of the Vision Statement, as well as input on considerations. This includes emerging
trends to consider when exploring community interest through the outreach and
engagement.
Action Minutes: GPAC Vision Statement Subcommittee
Meeting Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
Location: Spyglass Meeting Room at City Hall and Teams
GPAC and GPUSC Members in Attendance: Curtis Black, Debbie Stevens, Jeremy Evans, Jim Mosher, Nancy
Gardner, Nancy Scarbrough, Scott Laidlaw
City Staff in Attendance: Ben Zdeba, Elizabeth Dickson (Consultant)
Brief Discussion Recap and Action Minutes
City staff initiated the meeting and provided the following basic objectives for the meeting: 1) to determine
the Chairperson of the GPAC Vision Statement Subcommittee; 2) to identify the currently adopted Vision
Statement for 2025 from the 2006 General Plan; 3) to provide feedback on what should be considered and
explored through the outreach as it relates to the Vision Statement; and 4) to move the Vision Existing
Conditions and Background Report forward for GPAC consideration.
Identifying the GPAC Vision Statement Subcommittee Chairperson
After some discussion, GPAC Member Jim Mosher nominated GPAC Member Debbie Stevens. She
accepted the nomination.
✓ Action: GPAC Member Stevens will serve as the Chair of the GPAC Vision Statement Subcommittee.
Discussing the Current Vision Statement and Emerging Trends
Elizabeth Dickson (Consultant) of Dudek provided a PowerPoint presentation. She framed the Vision
Statement as the “north star” to guide the process and noted it is written in the present tense with an intent
to be the “end-state” for how Newport Beach should look 20 to 25 years out.
She shared an overview of the visioning analysis as it relates to the intention of the report prepared, identifled
the currently adopted Vision Statement for 2025 from the 2006 General Plan, outlined the process for
developing the updated Vision Statement as part of the General Plan Update, and presented next steps for
the Subcommittee’s consideration.
Discussion ensued about the timing of preparing the flnal Vision Statement and it was noted that nothing
with the General Plan is flnal until it is adopted.
Elizabeth Dickson addressed the sequencing for drafting the Vision Statement and clarifled that Dudek’s
report is intended to provide some framework to begin thinking about how the Vision Statement should be
updated. Once input is received from the Subcommittee, the GPAC, the GPUSC, and the community through
the outreach and engagement effort, a draft Vision Statement could be created. It is important to ask
thoughtful questions regarding progress made in achieving the 2025 Vision Statement, as well as which new
and emerging trends are important for the community.
The Subcommittee noted the importance of having a Vision Statement or components of the Vision
Statement for the community to react to and provide input.
Once Elizabeth Dickson concluded her presentation, the Subcommittee discussed the following highlights:
GPAC Vision Statement Subcommittee
Action Minutes for January 30, 2024
General Input
• There are three important prongs that make up the Newport Beach community: residents,
businesses, and visitors. It will be important to consider all prongs to strike an appropriate balance.
In that same respect, remember that Newport Beach is a home, a livelihood, and a destination.
• The adopted 2010 General Plan had a strong emphasis on Newport Beach as a resident-flrst
community, this was due in part to businesses seeming to encroach on residents’ way of life at the
time. There may be new sentiment in this regard. The outreach and engagement efforts should
include residents and businesses.
• Commercial areas are very walkable and are well-served by residents, but may need improvements
to make the areas more attractive. The residents are important for supporting local businesses,
especially during the off season.
• Outreach should solicit input on the sentiment toward tourism. Is there a desire to increase or
decrease the amount of tourists in the area? If there is an infiux in tourism, this could infiuence plans
for new hotel opportunities as well as new trolleys to balance varying needs.
• Newport Beach is full of divergent perspectives and in turn has divergent areas that should be
considered. Some people appreciate the casual beachgoing areas of the City while others
appreciate the more upscale areas.
• There is opportunity to have a better vision for certain areas of the City to become more walkable
with vibrant pedestrian areas that are served by businesses and services. It is important to recognize
that some requirements like parking can impact the viability of these areas.
• There is also an opportunity to encourage adaptive reuse of buildings rather than complete
teardowns and rebuilds. This could help preserve the City’s cultural roots through maintaining
character and charm.
• Newport Beach has a reputation for independence in dealing with regional and state bodies. It is
important to both be a regional leader with thought leadership, but also to maintain deep
partnerships at the regional and state levels.
• There should also be a renewed and continued emphasis on community services and partnerships
to get more boots on the ground to address issues like homelessness.
New and Emerging Trends
• It was noted that Dudek’s report incorporated some of the new and emerging trends from the 2023
Planning Trends Report published by the American Planning Association. The Subcommittee did not
identify any one of these trends as being necessarily inapplicable to Newport Beach’s context.
• Although not directly shared by the Subcommittee, there seemed to be an emphasis on multi-
faceted “resiliency.” This includes considerations like creating and planning for resilient
infrastructure or creating and planning for a resilient economy through enhancing business areas
and villages while improving the City’s built infrastructure.
• As an example, there is a heightened need for local agencies to consider near-term and long-term
infrastructure improvements, such as the City’s forethought in raising the Balboa Island seawall, an
extensive project effort.
• Technology is always evolving. There should be a consideration for the City to be innovative but in a
calculated way. This includes the possibility of staying on top of improving technology through
rollout of efforts like Citywide wireless internet (Wi-Fi) or improved cellular coverage, as well as
GPAC Vision Statement Subcommittee
Action Minutes for January 30, 2024
traffic management capabilities like automatic notiflcation to visitors when the beach is
overcrowded and there is limited to no parking available.
• There is also a movement to consider towards microtransit and alternative modes of transportation,
such as the City’s Balboa Peninsula Trolley. It was also noted that in the future, there will be air taxis
and a broader use of drones for deliveries.
✓ Action: GPAC Vision Statement Subcommittee members supported moving forward to share the matrix
of the previous input provided, the Dudek report, and these action minutes for the larger GPAC to
consider moving forward at the February 7, 2024 meeting.
GPAC VISION STATEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE
JANUARY 30, 2024
Visioning Analysis
Vision Statement Overview
THE VISION STATEMENT
FORMS THE FOUNDATION
FROM WHICH ALL DECISIONS
IN THE GPU ARE MADE
Adopted 2025 Vision Statement
2025 Vision
Statement
Development that improves
residents’ quality of life
Conservative growth that maintains
community characterA healthy natural
environment
Efficient and safe
transportation
Excellent community services
Well-managed
waterways
Responsive government
Developing the GPU Vision Statement
•Each element and GPU
topic:
•Regulatory and data
analysis
•Key findings
Existing
Conditions
•Climate resilience
•Technological
Innovation
•Post-pandemic society
•Advancing social equity
Future Trends •Identifying shared
values and ideas
•GPAC Vision
Subcommittee
•Phase I of outreach
Outreach and
Engagement
GPU Vision
Statement
Next Steps
Next Steps
•GPAC VISION STATEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE INPUT
•Support this document for GPAC 2/7
•Outreach Considerations:
•Trends and emerging issues
•Thoughts on 2025 Vision Statement
•What is still relevant?
•What is missing?
•What was achieved?
•What fell short?
Questions?
Click to edit Master title style
Contact
NAME
TITLE
NAME
TITLE
P:
Email:
Website:
P:
Email:
Website:
Thank you!
Benjamin Zdeba, AICP
Principal Planner
P: 949-644-3253
Email: bzdeba@newportbeachca.gov
Jaime Murillo, AICP
Planning Manager
P:949-644-3209
Email:jmurillo@newportbeachca.gov
i NOVEMBER 2023
Vision Statement Existing Conditions and Background Analysis
City of Newport Beach
General Plan Update
OCTOBER 2023
Prepared for:
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Prepared by:
27372 Calle Arroyo
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / VISION STATEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND
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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / VISION STATEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND
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Table of Contents
SECTION PAGE NO.
1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Vision Statement Overview .................................................................................................................... 1
2 Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Newport Beach 2025 ............................................................................................................................. 2
2.2 Role of the 2025 Vision ......................................................................................................................... 3
3 Planning Trends and Emerging Issues ............................................................................................................... 3
3.1 Planning for Climate Change ................................................................................................................. 3
3.2 Integrating Technology into Planning .................................................................................................... 4
3.3 Lingering Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic ....................................................................................... 4
3.4 Inclusivity and Social Equity ................................................................................................................... 4
4 Developing a Vision Statement ........................................................................................................................... 5
4.1 Next Steps ............................................................................................................................................... 5
4.2 Progress Made To-Date .......................................................................................................................... 5
FIGURE(S)
Figure 1. Vision Statement Process ................................................................................................................................. 1
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BACKGROUND ANALYSIS
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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / DRAFT VISION STATEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS
AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS
1 Introduction
The City of Newport Beach (City) General Plan Update will result in a plan that defines the vision for what the City
will look like in 20 to 30 years and provide a roadmap to achieving this vision. This document provides an overview
of a Vision Statement’s purpose and relevance, a review of the 2006 General Plan Vision Statement, and an
overview of the process for developing a new Vision Statement as part of the General Plan Update.
1.1 Vision Statement Overview
The Vision Statement forms the foundation from which all decisions in the General Plan Update are made. It
identifies priorities where resources should be focused in striving to achieve the Vision where the City continues to
be a great place to live, work, visit, and play. It provides a process for developing a consensus around the desired
future state of Newport Beach. While, the Vision Statement is written in the present tense, it is intended as the end
state for how Newport Beach should look through future implementation of the General Plan.
The Vision Statement is developed early in the planning process and acts as a north star for guiding the
development of goals, policies, and actions needed to achieve the vision. The process for creating a Vision
Statement, otherwise known as the visioning process, is an important first step in revealing the values, needs, and
aspirations of residents, businesses, and the larger community. While the Vision Statement is not a requirement of
the General Plan, it is a foundational step in the planning process for developing an ideal future for Newport Beach.
Figure 1 illustrates the process for achieving the Vision Statement through implementation of the programs,
policies, and goals.
Figure 1. Vision Statement Process
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / DRAFT VISION STATEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS
AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS
2 Existing Conditions
2.1 Newport Beach 2025
During the 2006 update to the City’s General Plan, the Vision Statement was written as a retrospective view of the
community by an observer from the year 2025. There are nine (9) topics covered in the Vision Statement chapter.
The 2006 Vision Statement is attached to this report for reference. The topics are written as observations citing the
City’s achievements associated with the implementation of the 2006 General Plan. The cited topics include the
following:
Community Character: Newport Beach is a beautiful, unique residential community providing a successful
balance of resources to meet the needs of residents, business, and visitors.
Growth Strategy, Land Use, and Development: Newport Beach provides conservative growth that prioritizes
development that emphasizes resident’s quality of life and is beneficial to the community’s character and
economy. The variety of neighborhoods and villages offer live and work opportunities, protected viewsheds,
and ample landscaping is preserved.
A Healthy Natural Environment: Newport Beach protects the natural environment through flourishing
natural ecosystems, preserved open space resources, and accessible beaches, parks, preserves, harbor,
and estuaries.
Efficient and Safe Circulation: Newport Beach provides a circulation system that is safe and convenient for
all modes of transportation, emphasizing that traffic flows smoothly and ample public parking facilities for
residents and visitors is planned.
Community Services: Newport Beach’s coordinated efforts with City Departments and other service
providers work collectively to provide excellent public services, top-rated schools, access to health care and
essential social services, and responsive high-quality public safety services.
Recreation Opportunities: Newport Beach is a residential and recreational seaside community with
attractive environmental assets and community facilities that serve residents and attract visitors.
Boating and Waterways: Newport Beach is recognized as a premier recreational boating harbor that is well
managed and maintained providing adequate access to the water. The shoreline and waterways in the
upper bay are unencumbered and are free of sediment and debris.
Airport: Newport Beach remains united in its efforts to control the noise, air, and traffic pollution impacts
from the John Wayne Airport, preserving the community’s unique character and land values.
Responsive Government: Newport Beach’s elected officials and City staff listen and respond to the interests
of residents and the business community.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / DRAFT VISION STATEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS
AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS
2.2 Role of the 2025 Vision
As noted in Section 1.1, Vision Statement Overview, the Vision Statement is the first step in the update to the
General Plan. The 2006 Vision Statement for 2025 covers a limited range of community aspirations which are
addressed throughout the various elements of the General Plan. For example, the Growth Strategy, Land Use, and
Development statement describes the City as having a conservative growth strategy that emphasizes the quality of
life of residents, values natural resources, and protects public views. Primarily this vision would be fostered through
implementation of the Land Use Element; however, all Elements play a role in fostering a growth land use and
development strategy. The 2006 Vision Statement was the cornerstone for the development of all goals of the 2006
General Plan, which subsequently guided the development of the policies and programs needed to achieve this
vision.
3 Planning Trends and Emerging Issues
As part of the General Plan Update, a new Vision Statement will be developed to inform the General Plan Update
process. The Vision Statement should be grounded in data and findings about existing conditions, as well as
feedback received through a robust outreach and engagement program. Given the 20- to 30-year timeline of the
General Plan, the Vision Statement should also be shaped by emerging social, environmental, and economic trends.
The American Planning Association’s 2023 Trend Report for Planners1 (Trend Report) highlights trends that have
the potential to affect cities in coming years and should therefore be considered in long-range planning efforts. The
report prioritizes trends with both a high certainty of occurrence and a high potential to impact cities. The key trends
discussed in the report are outlined below, but it is important to note that other known trends should be weighed,
and the City should be adaptable and nimble where necessary to future trends.
3.1 Planning for Climate Change
According to the Trend Report, the effects of climate change – including, but not limited to, extreme weather,
wildfires, drought, flooding, and sea level rise – are among the most certain and impactful trends for which cities
should be planning. Cities are already feeling the effects of a changing climate, and existing infrastructure,
transportation systems, emergency response systems, and development patterns are not always resilient to these
effects. This poses a major threat to the natural and built environment, public safety, and local economies. For this
reason, climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience have been at the forefront of planning in recent years and
are critical to long-range planning efforts.
Moreover, many new funding opportunities have emerged to help local governments plan for climate change-related
impacts. Most notably, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 included numerous loans and grant programs
intended to help local jurisdictions transition to renewable energy and transportation, increase resilience to climate-
related hazards, and restore natural systems that can help protect the built environment. These major investments
in climate mitigation and resilience planning are indicative of the urgency and importance of responding to climate-
related issues in long-range planning efforts.
1 American Planning Association. 2023. 2023 Trend Report for Planners. https://www.planning.org/publications/document/9263250/.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / DRAFT VISION STATEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS
AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS
3.2 Integrating Technology into Planning
Another major trend identified in the Trend Report relates to emerging technologies and the ways in which they can
affect cities – both intentionally and unintentionally – as well as the integration of technology into public spaces
and municipal services. Cities are increasingly providing information and services online and in digital applications.
Moreover, there are new ways to collect and store data that can be used to inform public decisions and investments.
Additionally, the use of artificial intelligence, including autonomous vehicles and online bots, is projected to increase
rapidly over the course of the 21st century. This has the potential to affect local transportation systems and job
markets in both positive and negative ways.
The Trend Report encourages the integration of technology into municipal services, transportation systems, and
public spaces, but also cautions against technological dependency as some residents may not know how to use
the technology, lack access to it, or do not feel comfortable using it. Studies have shown that a majority of Americans
distrust private and public entities with their digital information and artificial intelligence has been known to
reinforce social inequity. To combat this, municipalities will need to involve the public in decision making processes
regarding technology and emphasize transparency.
3.3 Lingering Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic
While public health measures and vaccines have enabled many aspects of society to return to “normal,” many of
the societal shifts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to continue. For example, some people,
particularly those who are immunocompromised or over 65 years old, remain wary of their safety in densely
populated areas and spaces. This indicates a need for more precautions and considerations for public health when
planning for dense development and public spaces. The pandemic has also caused long-term changes in the ways
people work and shop. Many people will continue to work from home and rely on online shopping to meet many of
their needs. These trends have led to some spaces becoming obsolete and a need to rethink certain land use
policies. Higher than average vacancy rates for both retail and office space are projected to continue; however, the
full effect is difficult to predict.
3.4 Inclusivity and Social Equity
Many cities are attempting to address the effects of a long history of inequitable urban planning. Social justice
movements, including the Environmental Justice Movement, are calling on municipal governments to target
investments and improvements for affordable housing, transportation, public infrastructure, schools, parks, and
business districts in areas that have historically experienced disinvestment, been subject to de facto and de jure
segregation, and been overburdened with pollution from incompatible land uses. These trends have led to many
cities adopting new plans, policies, and programs focused on advancing social equity and creating new ways for the
community to get involved in the decision-making process. to the goal is to foster less racially and economically
segregated cities creating more inclusive neighborhoods and public spaces. While the City of Newport Beach does
not have traditional disadvantaged communities, it is important to plan future development including housing,
public investment and facilities, and the provision of public services in ways to equally serve residents, business,
and visitors.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / DRAFT VISION STATEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS
AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS
4 Developing a Vision Statement
4.1 Next Steps
The Vision Statement for the General Plan Update will be developed through a process that is informed by data,
focused on the future, and driven by the needs of the community. The implementation of a robust community
outreach and engagement program will be instrumental in shaping a vision for Newport Beach. “The City of Newport
Beach General Plan Update Community Outreach and Engagement Program” developed for the General Plan
Update lays the foundation for community outreach. Stakeholders will be identified through the update process and
outreach will provide meaningful input that will result in goal and policy development, so that community members
can witness how their engagement shaped the process. Visioning through outreach and engagement will ensure a
holistic vision for the future of Newport Beach is captured in the updated Vision Statement. Below is a summary list
of critical path items for updating the Vision Statement:
Existing Conditions Analysis – An analysis of relevant data will be conducted for all elements of the General
Plan. This includes a study of existing regulations, on-the-ground data, and progress made on the 2006
General Plan.
Future Trends – Understanding emerging trends, as discussed in Section 3, Planning Trends and Emerging
Issues, is key to developing a vision that is future oriented.
Outreach and Engagement – Implementation of the Community Outreach and Engagement Program is
essential for identifying key stakeholders, raising awareness of the General Plan Update, and fostering
discourse around a common future state for Newport Beach.
4.2 Progress Made To-Date
As part of the General Plan Update process, a General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) has been formed. The GPAC
is made up of community volunteers that are enlisted to ensure there is sufficient input regarding the General Plan
Update, to review and provide guidance to City staff and its consultants on changes to the General Plan goals and
policies, and to make recommendations to the General Plan Update Steering Committee. The GPAC established
subcommittees for the various topics of the General Plan Update, including the Vision Statement. The GPAC Vision
Subcommittee has already begun to meet to discuss an updated Vision Statement for the General Plan Update.
Topics discussed include the following:
Community Services
Airport
Environmental Stewardship and Coastal Resilience
Community Safety
Partnerships
Community Character
Growth, Land Use, and Development
Environmental Justice
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / DRAFT VISION STATEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS
AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS
The topics discussed by the GPAC Vision Subcommittee highlight key community values that can be used in the
outreach and engagement process to foster discourse around community needs and the vision for the future of
Newport Beach.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / DRAFT VISION STATEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS
AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS
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VISION STATEMENT Newport Beach General Plan Update: A New Vision for the Future
5 June 2023 Page 1 of 7
The following describes the City’s desired end state and what the community hopes to have achieved by 20252044. The GPAC played an
instrumental role in crafting this vision statement through a series of discussions and revisions, drawing upon public feedback from the Visioning
activities. The statement is intended to be a retrospective view of our community by an observer in the year 20252044, to cite the City’s
achievements as a result of our current “vision.”
COMMUNITY CHARACTER
Existing Thoughts
We have preserved and enhanced our character as a
beautiful, unique residential community with
diverse coastal and upland neighborhoods. We value
our colorful past, the high quality of life, and our
community bonds. The successful balancing of the
needs of residents, businesses, and visitors has been
accomplished with the recognition that Newport
Beach is primarily a residential community.
• Coastal community defined by its beaches, harbor and proximity to the ocean.
• High quality of life continues.
• Sweeping views of the beaches, harbor and coast are protected for all to enjoy.
• The community successfully balances the needs of residents, business and visitors
while recognizing Newport Beach is primarily a residential community.
• The characteristics and unique qualities of the various neighborhoods that make up
the city are maintained.
GROWTH STRATEGY, LAND USE, AND DEVELOPMENT
Existing Thoughts
We have a conservative growth strategy that
emphasizes residents’ quality of life—a strategy that
balances the needs of the various constituencies and
that cherishes and nurtures our estuaries, harbor,
beaches, open spaces, and natural resources.
Development and revitalization decisions are well
conceived and beneficial to both the economy and
our character. There is a range of housing
opportunities that allows people to live and work in
the City.
Design principles emphasize characteristics that
satisfy the community’s desire for the maintenance
of its particular neighborhoods and villages. Public
view areas are protected. Trees and landscaping are
enhanced and preserved.
• Growth strategy that emphasizes the superior quality of life that exists in our
community.
• Development and revitalization decisions are well conceived and beneficial to the
economy as well as the character of the community.
• High-rises along the coast are avoided to enhance everyone’s enjoyment of the coastal
resources (i.e., it doesn’t look like Marina del Rey, Santa Monica or Century City).
• Thoughtful urban planning is maintained while navigating state planning
requirements.
• High density residential areas are placed in areas that have sufficient infrastructure to
support such development.
• Planning to achieve our minimum obligation under the state’s RHNA requirements is
obtained while maintaining the character of the community.
• New housing is focused on providing residential units for the city’s workforce so that
employees can live close to their place of work.
• Public views are protected.
VISION STATEMENT Newport Beach General Plan Update: A New Vision for the Future
5 June 2023 Page 2 of 7
A HEALTHY NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Existing Thoughts
Protection of environmental quality is a high priority.
We preserve our open space resources. We maintain
access to and visibility of our beaches, parks,
preserves, harbor, and estuaries. The ocean, bay,
and estuaries are flourishing ecosystems with high
water quality standards.
EFFICIENT AND SAFE CIRCULATION
Existing Thoughts
Traffic flows smoothly throughout the community.
The transportation and circulation system is safe and
convenient for automobiles and public
transportation, and friendly to pedestrians and
bicycles. Public parking facilities are well planned for
residents and visitors.
Thoughts
• If former Council member Tony Petros wrote the current Circulation Element, we
might want to ask him what vision he was working toward.
• The existing three-sentence Vision Statement struck Subcommittee members as very
car-centric.
• I don’t realistically expect a huge difference in 27 years.
• Googling “Vision for mobility 2050” yields many results, mostly expressed as goals
rather than a vision of an ideal future. I have not attempted to digest or synthesize
them.
Possibilities
• Newport Beach has adapted quickly to emerging modes of transportation.
• Newport Beach has fully embraced the Complete Streets concept.
• Newport Beach has provided for the transportation needs of an aging population.
• Newport Beach has expanded public transportation opportunities for all ages.
• Newport Beach has reduced transportation needs by encouraging tele-commuting
and tele-shopping.
• Improved modes of product and service delivery have been developed.
• Recreational trails have been maintained and improved.
VISION STATEMENT Newport Beach General Plan Update: A New Vision for the Future
5 June 2023 Page 3 of 7
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Existing Thoughts
We provide parks, art and cultural facilities, libraries,
and educational programs directly and through
cooperation among diverse entities. The City
facilitates or encourages access to high-quality
health care and essential social services. Newport
Beach is noted for its excellent schools and is a
premier location for hands-on educational
experiences in the natural sciences.
Our streets are safe and clean. Public safety services
are responsive and amongst the best in the nation.
• Provide exceptional parks, art and cultural facilities, first-rate libraries and educational
programs that not only satisfy the needs of residents but also attract visitors.
• Anticipate and plan for additional facilities and venues to accommodate our growth
throughout all areas of the City
• We celebrate our rich history as a beach oriented community with programs and
events that center around boating, sailing, surfing, and other water related activities
• Our cultural activities, beaches and other sites, attract visitors from across Southern
California and around the world
• Our schools, public and private maintain a high quality of education for our residents
• Community members look forward to planning to accommodate the needs of an
increasingly diverse population (aging, youth, ethnicity, multi-generational
• Maintain safe neighborhoods and streets, well equipped and training police and fire
dept., involved citizenry in emergency preparedness
• Our beaches, our streets and sidewalks and our parks are well-maintained, with safety
being a priority
• Continue to work to protect the existence of General Aviation at JWA, specifically
small, non-jet aircraft.
• We work closely with residents and businesses to maintain our common facilities and
infrastructure for the benefit of residents and visitors.
VISION STATEMENT Newport Beach General Plan Update: A New Vision for the Future
5 June 2023 Page 4 of 7
RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES
Existing Thoughts
Newport Beach attracts visitors with its harbor,
beaches, restaurants, and shopping. We are a
residential and recreational seaside community
willing and eager to share its natural resources with
visitors without diminishing these irreplaceable
assets in order to share them.
We have outdoor recreation space for active local
and tourist populations that highlight the City’s
environmental assets as well as indoor facilities for
recreation and socializing. Coastal facilities include
pedestrian and aquatic opportunities.
Newport Beach attracts local, American, and international visitors with its harbor,
beaches, restaurants, and shopping. We are a residential and recreational seaside
community willing and eager to share its natural resources with visitors without
diminishing these irreplaceable assets in order to share them. We have outdoor recreation
space for active local and tourist populations that highlight the City’s environmental assets
as well as indoor facilities for recreation and socializing. Coastal facilities include
pedestrian and aquatic opportunities. We are a growing community, but one that requires
smart and planned growth that benefits the residents and those who visit.
• First sentence switched, should be:
We are a Residential and recreational seaside community, willing and eager (?) to share
it’s natural resources with visitors without diminishing these irreplaceable assets in
order to share them
• We provide a wide variety of recreational opportunities, with excellent facilities and
programs that available for residents and visitors of all ages and physical abilities
• Maintain and enforce the current policy regarding provision of park facilities with new
development.
BOATING AND WATERWAYS
Existing Thoughts
We are recognized as a premier recreational boating
harbor. We have maintained a hospitable, navigable
pleasure boating harbor in the lower bay through
careful, low-density, non-intrusive on-shore
development, by regularly dredging navigation and
berthing/mooring areas, and by providing adequate
access to the water- and vessel-related servicing
facilities. The upper bay retains an unencumbered
shoreline and its waterways are maintained free of
sediment and debris.
Pending feedback from Harbor Commission and mooring holders
VISION STATEMENT Newport Beach General Plan Update: A New Vision for the Future
5 June 2023 Page 5 of 7
AIRPORT
Existing Thoughts
We remain united in our efforts to control and
contain noise, air, and traffic pollution associated
with operation of the John Wayne Airport (JWA). Our
City government vigorously and wisely uses the
political process to control the impact of JWA on our
community. This has resulted in a level of JWA
operations that preserves our unique character and
land values.
• Remain united in our efforts to control and contain noise, air and water pollution
associated with the operation of John Wayne Airport (JWA) (currently wording in
Vision Statement, possibly update a word here and there)
• City government vigorously and wisely uses the political process to control the impact
of JWA on our community.
• Place the highest priority on maintaining the Settlement agreement with the best
possible outcome for Newport Beach residents (wording?)
• Work with regional (County), state and federal agencies including JWA management
and operations to implement noise reduction measures associated with aircraft.
• Advocate for the earliest possible implementation of alternative fuels in commercial
and general aviation aircraft
• Encourage commercial airlines to use newer quieter more fuel-efficient aircraft.
• Continue to work with General Aviation to foster the proliferation of small non-jet
aircraft.
• Continue to oppose the lengthening of the runways in either direction.
• Limit the growth of the footprint of the airport (currently 500+ acres – curtails growth)
RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT
Existing Thoughts
Elected officials and City staff listen and respond to
the interests of residents and the business
community.
Elected officials and City staff listen and respond to the interests of residents and the
business community. We will be responsive to changes in local, statewide, and national
policies, while making sure that our overall vision for the City is adhered to foremost.
VISION STATEMENT Newport Beach General Plan Update: A New Vision for the Future
5 June 2023 Page 6 of 7
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Existing Thoughts
None • Suggest we leave out of in the vision statement because it’s a weird issue here but
suggest we have general statement which follows
• All residents and visitors (regardless of race, culture or income) enjoy the diversity of
recreational opportunities, open space and community services available to the
community.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND COASTAL RESILIENCE
Existing Thoughts
None ● To preserve our coastal lifestyle, Newport Beach continues to promote sustainable
policies that aim to increase the health and longevity of our environmental assets
including our beaches, harbor, estuaries, water quality, parks, and open space
preserves.
● We are viewed as a regional leader in protecting our environmental assets, while
balancing the needs of residents, visitors, and businesses.
● We maintain access to and visibility of our beaches, parks, preserves, harbor, and
estuaries. We focus on our beaches and harbor being the cleanest, safest, and most
well enjoyed they can be.
● Invest in long term planning, infrastructure, and projects that protect our city’s
beach profile, harbor profile, and homes from flood risk and from sea level rise
impact.
● Newport Beach leads regional partnerships with surrounding Cities and regional
groups to reduce pollution, advocate for sensible solutions to sea level rise, and
regulate water use.
VISION STATEMENT Newport Beach General Plan Update: A New Vision for the Future
5 June 2023 Page 7 of 7
A SAFE COMMUNITY PROTECTING RESIDENTS, VISITORS, AND BUSINESSES
Existing Thoughts
None ● Our streets, beaches, and facilities are safe and clean
● Our public safety services are operated by Newport Beach and are among the best
in the nation
● We invest in world class first responder teams across police, fire, and lifeguards.
● We recognize the direct and existential threats that our City could face, including:
fire, earthquake, liquefaction, flooding, and sea level rise.
● For each risk Newport Beach will partner with experts to study the risk profile,
then develop and take action on plans proportional to the assessed risk profile.
INVEST IN PARTNERSHIPS THAT FURTHER OUR VISION
Existing Thoughts
None ● When possible, Newport shines as an independent City capable of addressing our
City’s problems and opportunities with innovative solutions.
● Acknowledge that as a municipality we will have to work closely with State and
Federal groups on mandates, and on opportunities outside of municipal control.
● Partner with and engage groups aligned with elements of our City’s vision, including
local Universities and neighboring municipalities.
b. Visioning Analysis
Vision Statement Overview
THE VISION STATEMENT
FORMS THE FOUNDATION
FROM WHICH ALL DECISIONS
IN THE GPU ARE MADE
Adopted 2025 Vision Statement
2025 Vision
Statement
Development that improves
residents’ quality of life
Conservative growth that maintains
community characterA healthy natural
environment
Efficient and safe
transportation
Excellent community services
Well-managed
waterways
Responsive government
Developing the GPU Vision Statement
•Each element and GPU
topic:
•Regulatory and data
analysis
•Key findings
Existing
Conditions
•Climate resilience
•Technological
Innovation
•Post-pandemic society
•Advancing social equity
Future Trends •Identifying shared
values and ideas
•GPAC Vision
Subcommittee
•Phase I of outreach
Outreach and
Engagement
GPU Vision
Statement