HomeMy WebLinkAboutIVb_Vision Statement Progress DraftAttachment No. 2
Vision Statement Progress Draft
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, Planning Manager
Date: August 29, 2024
Re: Agenda Item No. IV(b) – Vision Statement Progress Draft
________________________________________________________________
On July 31, 2024, City staff sent an email to the Vision Statement Subcommittee
to request input regarding a potential format and structure for the City’s updated
General Plan Vision Statement, as well a possible planning horizon for the General
Plan Update. Subcommittee Chair Stevens and five additional members
responded. The consensus was to continue the current narrative structure but to
incorporate “guiding principles.” The Subcommittee’s feedback also led City staff
and Dudek to identify 2050 as the best planning horizon.
On August 19, 2024, City staff provided the initial draft of the Vision Statement to
the Subcommittee for review. Subcommittee Chair Stevens, two additional
members, and one Steering Committee member provided their input in response.
Based on the feedback received, City staff worked with Dudek to incorporate
several revisions to improve the initial draft. This revised version is enclosed in
both clean and redline-strikeout format to demonstrate the changes made because
of Subcommittee input. All comments received have also been included for
reference.
As a note, the GPAC’s support of this draft does not set it in stone. The Vision
Statement can change and refresh as we move forward in the process and,
ultimately, the City Council will consider the broader community input to determine
whether this Vision Statement is appropriately written to guide the future of
Newport Beach.
Enclosures: 1) Vision Statement Progress Draft
2) Correspondence
3) Reference Redline-Strikeout Version
Enclosure No. 1
Vision Statement
Progress Draft
Vision Statement and Guiding
Values and Priorities
The development of the General Plan has been guided by the Vision Statement
and Guiding Values and Priorities that were shaped through community input
provided by the General Plan Advisory Committee, the General Plan Update
Steering Committee, and the broader community. Together, these provide the
foundation for the General Plan’s goals, policies, and actions. The Vision
Statement provides a conceptual picture of a future Newport Beach in the year
2050. The Guiding Values and Priorities are representative of aspirational themes
that are emphasized throughout the General Plan. Through the implementation
of the policies of the General Plan, Newport Beach will have the potential to
become an exceptional city.
VISION STATEMENT
Newport Beach is renowned as a coastal beacon of natural splendor, unparallelled
amenities, and dynamic culture. The city maintains a superior quality of life by
successfully balancing the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. Newport
Beach is adorned with unique villages, coastal amenities, and natural open
spaces; creating a unique sense of place. The coast, natural open spaces, various
villages, beaches, harbor, topography, and proximity to the ocean distinguish
Newport Beach as an idyllic community. Newport Beach’s commitment to the
protection of the natural environment has made the city a leader of
environmental stewardship in the region. Strong partnerships with outside
agencies and organizations have cultivated successful collaboration on regional
transportation, land use, coastline, and other issues of mutual concern. The
sweeping views of and access to beaches, the harbor, and the coast have been
preserved and are maintained for future generations.
Growth and development have been accommodated in a manner that seamlessly
blends new and old into the fabric of the community, keeping pace with changing
community needs while maintaining adequate infrastructure and a high quality of
life. The needs of the community are met through a variety of strategically
located uses including vibrant commercial services, offices and employment
centers, public facilities including community centers and libraries, parks and
open space, schools, residential neighborhoods, and visitor-serving uses. Strategic
planning and infrastructure investments continue to protect the health and
longevity of the built and natural environment. Adaptation and resilience are
central to all decision-making and have empowered Newport Beach to maintain a
vibrant coastal lifestyle that strengthens the local economy. The City’s world-class
public safety services safeguard its residents and visitors, creating safe and
friendly neighborhoods. Residents champion arts, culture, and education as pillars
of the community and take pride in their historic legacy. The community
embraces innovation and their progressive outlook has positioned them as
frontrunners in best practices for adopting new technologies. Newport Beach is
distinguished for its beauty, culture, resilience, and inclusivity for residents of all
stages of life and backgrounds.
GUIDING VALUES AND PRIORITIES
Throughout the General Plan Update process, community members identified
many shared aspirations and beliefs, which have been shaped into Guiding Values
and Priorities. These guiding Values and Priorities help to achieve the
community’s vision, providing a foundation for General Plan goals, policies, and
actions, and offering guidance in making future decisions.
Maintain a Balanced and Connected Community
Conservative and balanced growth that emphasizes residents’ quality of life and
connects community members to their needs, creating a city that is functional
and vibrant.
• A governmental process that engages and is responsive to the needs of
residents and the business community, fostering civic engagement
• Conservative development that preserves and highlights local assets and
accommodates growth of a diverse population
• Development that protects the small character of existing residential
communities and villages that comprise the city.
• A connected transportation network that allows community members to
easily access key amenities
• Multi-modal transportation networks that are clearly defined and connect
the community to key areas of interest
• Incentives and regulations that encourage improvements to existing
buildings
• Residential development that is complemented by accommodating services
and amenities while protecting existing villages
• A small, tight-knit community that benefits from strong social connections
Foster Environmental Stewardship
Environmental stewardship supports the preservation and enhancement of the
natural environment, so that it may be enjoyed by current and future
generations.
• Residents that act as stewards of the natural environment
• A community that protects and maintains a clean environment, including
water, beaches, the harbor and bay, estuaries, cliffs and bluffs, parks, and
open space, as well as the flora and fauna that inhabit the natural
environment
• A harbor, bay, and beaches that are safe, clean, and enjoyed by all
• Equitable access to natural resources that offers recreation and refuge for
all residents
• Viewsheds that are safeguarded and work in harmony with development to
protect views for all residents and visitors to enjoy
• Clean air that protects and enhances public health and the environment
• A community that is protected from excessive exposure to noise to protect
peace and quiet in residential villages
Promote Coastal Resilience
Resilience is essential to adapting to environmental changes and protecting the
built and natural environment.
• Coastal development that works with nature to protect and enhance the
community, economy, and ecosystems
• Harbor, beaches, and a coastline that adapts to rising sea levels, storms,
and king tides
• Buildings and infrastructure that are designed to avoid, withstand, and
quickly recover from flooding
• Coastal ecosystems that are functional and protected, providing additional
safeguards for coastal waterfront development
• Adaptive development along coastal bluffs with landscaping and
infrastructure that reduces risk of landslides
• Sufficient safety buffers, thoughtful design in development, and robust
infrastructure that supports effective response to natural disasters
Facilitate Public Safety
Community safety is fostered through public education, infrastructure
investments, and sufficient public services.
• Safe streets, buildings, and public spaces that are enjoyed by residents,
employees, and visitors
• National leaders in emergency response and preparedness to safeguard the
community
• A community that is prepared and well-informed in the event of an
emergency
• A strong sense of community that fosters communication among residents
to support one another in an emergency
Embrace Innovative Technologies
Innovative technologies benefit cities when they are planned for and thoughtfully
integrated into city decisions, regulations, and development.
• A city that embraces and prepares for new and emerging technologies in
communication, program management, transportation, and other
innovative opportunities
• Technology that is effectively leveraged to engage with community
members, respond to emerging trends and needs, and track General Plan
implementation
• Infrastructure that supports emerging technologies that contribute to
enhanced environmental quality
• Regulations and measures that support new technologies while protecting
public safety and quality of life
Celebrate Art, Culture, and History
Culture, art, and history make up the tapestry that bonds the community together
and creates a sense of civic pride.
• Art that is highlighted throughout the city representing the common
language and shared experiences that exist between all cultures
• History that is commemorated through community events and within
public spaces.
• A community that is rich in educational opportunities and historic, artistic,
and culture events, displays, and showcases
• A community with interest, knowledge, and connection to the city’s history
and the legacy of Tribal nations of the land.
Enclosure No. 2
Correspondence
From: Zdeba, Benjamin
Sent: July 31, 2024 9:40 AM
To: Stevens, Debbie
Cc: Acevedo, Nicholas; Black, Curtis; Desantis, Susan; Evans, Jeremy; Greer,
Arlene; Hackman, Lynn; Laidlaw, Scott; Mosher, Jim; Scarbrough, Nancy;
'Elizabeth Dickson'; Murillo, Jaime
Subject: Input Requested by August 9: Vision Statement Drafting
Hello, GPAC Vision Statement Subcommittee Chair Stevens and Subcommittee Members,
It was great seeing many of you at the GPAC meeting earlier this week and once again, thank you
for your participation and engagement to make the meeting very productive.
As mentioned at the meeting, Dudek is preparing to assist with the draft of the Vision Statement
based on the work your subcommittee has done to date and considering the input from the
community and other subcommittees. Prior to proceeding, Dudek would like to share two primary
considerations for the Subcommittee to respond to. Of course, once drafted, we will again seek
input from the Vision Statement Subcommittee to ensure it is the best version possible.
Please see below. I apologize in advance for the longwindedness, but I tried to break this down into
easy-to-track pieces. I am happy to connect individually if there are any questions or we can
coordinate a meeting together if you believe it is best. We would appreciate getting your input as
soon as possible, but no later than Friday, August 9.
Do you agree with the recommendation, or would you prefer a different approach?
Thanks, as always, for volunteering your time and energy to this effort!
First Consideration: Vision Statement Structure
Before drafting the statement, we want the Subcommittee to review some options regarding its
structure:
Option 1 – Narrative Structure
Example:
https://www.newportbeachca.gov/PLN/General_Plan/03_Ch2_VisionStatement_web.pdf
Description: Narrative structured vision statements provide robust detailed statements
detailing what a city/community will look like upon plan implementation. These tend to
consist of multiple paragraphs, often spanning multiple pages, and paint a detailed picture
for the reader. The City’s adopted Vision Statement is written as a narrative structure with
key headers highlighting speciflc topics. While the narrative structure provides a complete
picture, it requires the reader to read it in its entirety and use their interpretation to identify
key values and principles.
Option 2 – Simple Structure
Example:
https://www.palmspringsca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/1979/635545493507830000
Description: Simple structured vision statements provide a brief statement, ranging from 1-
2 sentences to a couple of paragraphs, with a high-level statement for the future of the
city/community. This structure briefiy summarizes the qualities the city/community will
possess upon implementation of the plan.
If the adopted Vision Statement had a simple structure, it might describe the City as “A
thriving coastal residential community with unique character, managed growth, a healthy
natural environment, efficient and safe circulation, world class community services, robust
recreational opportunities, premier recreational boating and waterways, well-managed
airport relations, and a responsive government.”
Option 3 – Guiding Principles Structure
Examples: https://losgatos2040.com/images/docs/lggpu-pd-01.pdf#page=5; or
https://cms3.revize.com/revize/huntingtonbeachca/Documents/Departments/Community
%20Development/Planning%20Zonning/General%20Plan/Generalplan/Introduction_001.p
df#page=9
Description: Guiding principles structured vision statements provide context around
identifled principles that are often built off of identifled community values or themes. This
structure clearly identifles community priorities and values without leaving them to be
distinguished by the reader. This is a similar approach to what the Vision Statement
Subcommittee has drafted to-date.
If the community values environmental stewardship, then, coastal conservation and
resilience could be a guiding principle. However, with topics like the airport, it’s very
speciflc for the vision and would make more sense in the goals and policies. This could
instead be built off principles related to public health and safety, livability, and
environmental stewardship.
Dudek’s Recommendation
In short, the adopted Vision Statement is written in more of a narrative style structure. What
the Vision Statement Subcommittee has put together to date is structured more like guiding
principles. Dudek believes there’s opportunity here to restructure and consider a broad
simple structure vision statement, as described above, and combine that with some guiding
principles.
Second Consideration: Planning Horizon
City staff and Dudek think it is appropriate for the Vision Statement Subcommittee to weigh in on a
General Plan horizon year. In the Vision Statement Subcommittee’s draft, it is suggested that the
horizon year could be 2044. However, before landing on an exact year, it would be good for the
Subcommittee to consider the following:
Typical Range
While the incorporation of a planning horizon is not required under general plan law, most
jurisdictions set a timeframe for 20 to 30 years.
20 Years vs. 30 Years
While a 20-year horizon tends to be more responsive to planning needs and trends without
a need for a signiflcant number of amendments through the life of the General Plan, a 30-
year horizon may provide additional opportunities for addressing longer-term issues like
environmental changes or demographic changes. Regardless of the planning horizon, the
community has already expressed strong support for ongoing General Plan monitoring,
which can work well with any horizon year to address changing needs that may need to be
revisited.
No Horizon Year Required
There’s also the option to exclude a horizon year, as it’s not required, and some cities do
not include them in their General Plans.
Dudek’s Recommendation
Given the Vision Statement Subcommittee’s suggestion of a 20-year horizon, the emphasis on
general plan monitoring, and the conversations had with the GPAC and community to-date, a
20-year horizon is appropriate.
Ben Z.
Benjamin Zdeba, AICP
Principal Planner
Community Development Department
Office: 949-644-3253 100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
From: Stevens, Debbie
Sent: August 01, 2024 11:24 AM
To: Zdeba, Benjamin
Cc: Acevedo, Nicholas; Black, Curtis; Desantis, Susan; Evans, Jeremy; Greer,
Arlene; Hackman, Lynn; Laidlaw, Scott; Mosher, Jim; Scarbrough, Nancy;
Murillo, Jaime; edickson@dudek.com
Subject: Re: Input Requested by August 9: Vision Statement Drafting
Ben:
Thanks for the detailed info. My thoughts on these issues are below.
I prefer our current Narrative vision statement that is descriptive and complete to the more
watered down or simplified guiding principles. But the simplified guiding principles could
be included within a narrative-type vision statement.
A 20-year horizon makes sense to me. It’s hard enough to figure out planning for 20 years,
so a 30-year horizon is even more difficult. Also, things change pretty rapidly these days, so
I concur with the 20 years.
FYI - I will be out of town for the next couple weeks and hope to return in time to attend any
meetings. Thanks!
Debbie
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Evans, Jeremy
Sent: August 01, 2024 11:28 AM
To: Stevens, Debbie
Cc: Zdeba, Benjamin; Acevedo, Nicholas; Black, Curtis; Desantis, Susan; Greer,
Arlene; Hackman, Lynn; Laidlaw, Scott; Mosher, Jim; Scarbrough, Nancy;
Murillo, Jaime; edickson@dudek.com
Subject: Re: Input Requested by August 9: Vision Statement Drafting
Similar thoughts. Prefer 30.
From: Mosher, Jim
Sent: August 05, 2024 3:44 PM
To: Evans, Jeremy; Stevens, Debbie
Cc: Zdeba, Benjamin; Acevedo, Nicholas; Black, Curtis; Desantis, Susan; Greer,
Arlene; Hackman, Lynn; Laidlaw, Scott; Scarbrough, Nancy; Murillo, Jaime;
edickson@dudek.com
Subject: Re: Input Requested by August 9: Vision Statement Drafting
Ben,
My answers are:
First Consideration: I favor a narrative structure (Option 1) combined with guiding
principles (Option 3).
Second Consideration: I favor a horizon year of 2050. It seems like a nice round number,
and a reasonable compromise between 20 and 30 years. Whatever the horizon year, I
would hope the planning for that year is understood to be a logical step toward some
notion (whether stated or not) of what the city will (or should?) look like in some much
more distant year.
***
Additional comments:
In the absence of minutes or recordings, my recollection of the pre-Dudek Vision
Subcommittee meetings may be mistaken, but I don't think any great significance should
be placed on the format of the "Initial Comment Matrix" that was recovered and provided
as part of Item IV(b) at the February 7, 2024, GPAC meeting (beginning on page 27 of the
33-page memo). I believe individual subcommittee members were assigned individual
paragraphs of the existing Vision Statement to review and critique. The fact that their
individual "Thoughts" (which were collected by email by Jim Campbell, but I don't think
were ever discussed as a group) are reported as bullet points was not intended to suggest
a new format or structure for the Vision Statement. I believe they simply highlight areas the
individual reviewer thought may need revision.
As to Vision Statement Option 2 (Simple Structure), such statements tend to be so bland,
generic or obvious that that their value in guiding the plan becomes difficult to discern. For
example, the final third of Palm Springs' vision is "We provide responsive, friendly and
efficient public services within a government that fosters unity among all our citizens." I
would first ask: is there any city whose vision is to "provide unresponsive, unfriendly and
inefficient public services within a government that fosters disunity among its citizens"? I
would second ask: how did having this vision influence the content of the plan that
follows? (I would note that few pages later, starting on page 1-12, Palm Springs lists a
number of more concrete General Plan Priorities guiding its plan – none of which touch on
responsive public services or a unified citizenry)
As to combining Option 3 with Option 1, until reviewing the Option 3 examples provided, I
was not aware our existing plan was lacking guiding principles. They seem like a very good
thing to have. That said, Los Gatos' "guiding principles" seem more like general plan
"goals," while Long Beach's "principles" (the underlined statements on pages 1-10 through
1-17 seem more like marketing headlines (followed by a paragraph of narrative vision).
The state Office of Planning and Research attempts to make the distinction between
principles, goals, objective, policies, standards, proposals and implementing measures in
Appendix E to its General Plan Guidelines.
While that distinction is often blurry, and may be more a matter of phrasing than content,
of other general plans I have examined, the City of Gridley (find their General Plan under
"Planning Services"), a small town (population 7,421) on Highway 99 south of Oroville,
seems, at least in my mind, to come closer to enunciating true "guiding principles" – which
come after a narrative-style Vision Statement consisting of eight newspaper-style reports
about the city dated in the horizon year of 2030. The principles are grouped under the same
headlines is the "newspaper articles" they guide (although I would think some guiding
principles are more overarching and don't fit neatly in a single category). More importantly,
to demonstrate the principles actually guide the plan, within each element, each section of
goals and policies is preceded by a statement of the principles that are claimed to have
guided their development. This seems like a good structure to me.
As to the horizon year, I would have a stronger feeling if we were actually embarking on,
and had control over, a comprehensive update of all aspects of the General Plan – for
which I would want a more distant target year. But that seems difficult when crucial
pieces, such as the Housing Element, are on a different track largely out of the City's
control, and to which the rest has to adapt.
-- Jim
From: Acevedo, Nicholas
Sent: August 08, 2024 6:22 AM
To: Zdeba, Benjamin
Subject: Re: Input Requested by August 9: Vision Statement Drafting
Ben
Apologies for missing the meeting, i did not set this email out of office. I was away for a
couple weeks. I will ensure to do this in future.
In regards to the below. I agree with Jim's approach of both for the first consideration.
First Consideration: I favor a narrative structure (Option 1) combined with guiding
principles (Option 3).
As it relates to horizon planning I think 2050 is also a good plan.
Thanks and it looks like see you in September as no meeting in August.
Nick Acevedo
From: Scarbrough, Nancy
Sent: August 09, 2024 3:18 PM
To: Zdeba, Benjamin
Subject: Re: Input Requested by August 9: Vision Statement Drafting
Hi Ben,
I don't see where the draft of the Vision Statement is. I don't have it in my
newportbeach.gov email. Can you please resend that? I don't think I can get comments to
you today, but I will work on it tomorrow and get back to you before Monday if I have any
thoughts.
Is there a meeting date for the Vision Committee that I missed?
Thanks.
Nancy Scarbrough
Nancy@NancyforNewport.com
Cell: 949-887-6974
From: Desantis, Susan
Sent: August 11, 2024 1:59 PM
To: Zdeba, Benjamin
Subject: Re: Input Requested by August 9: Vision Statement Drafting
That makes sense, Ben. Can we set up a Land Use Subcommittee Meeting to address that among
other things soon? I will be on vacation in September (8-22).
Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 9, 2024, at 3:25 PM, Zdeba, Benjamin <bzdeba@newportbeachca.gov>
wrote:
Hi Susan,
The Vision Statement is intended to be broader (i.e., communitywide) without
narrowly focusing on individual areas.
Dudek and I believe a discussion about a vision for the individual Focus Areas is
more appropriate in the Land Use Element. This aligns with the last meeting of the
Land Use Element Subcommittee, where it was shared that each sub-area should
have its own goals and policies.
Thanks,
Ben Z.
Benjamin Zdeba, AICP
Principal Planner
Community Development Department
Office: 949-644-3253 100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
From: Desantis, Susan <Sdesantis@newportbeachca.gov>
Sent: August 09, 2024 1:20 PM
To: Zdeba, Benjamin <bzdeba@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: Re: Input Requested by August 9: Vision Statement Drafting
Hi, Ben,
I would like to incorporate a vision and guiding principles for each of the 5
affordable housing target areas. Is this an appropriate time to do this? If not, when
is?
Please advise.
Thank you,
Susan
Sent from my iPhone
From: Zdeba, Benjamin
Sent: August 19, 2024 2:13 PM
To: Stevens, Debbie
Cc: Acevedo, Nicholas; Black, Curtis; Desantis, Susan; Evans, Jeremy; Greer,
Arlene; Hackman, Lynn; Laidlaw, Scott; Mosher, Jim; Scarbrough, Nancy;
'Elizabeth Dickson'; Murillo, Jaime
Subject: Input Requested by Tuesday, August 27: Draft Vision Statement
Attachments: Vision Statement DRAFT_8.13.2024.pdf
Hello, GPAC Vision Statement Subcommittee Chair Stevens and Subcommittee Members,
Thank you for providing your input on the preferred structure and time horizon for the Vision
Statement – this was instrumental in helping Dudek put together a draft. And on that note, I am
really excited to share that Dudek has finished the initial draft. It is attached to this email.
Please review and provide feedback by end of day Tuesday, August 27.
Once again, I am happy to connect individually if there are any questions or we can coordinate a
meeting together if you believe it is best. Ultimately, we hope to bring a draft of the Vision
Statement to the full GPAC on September 4 for discussion and consideration.
If you do not have any feedback to offer, then a response to these two questions would be
appreciated:
1. Do you feel this draft is representative of the Subcommittee’s guidance and community
input received thus far?
2. Are you comfortable with it (or a slightly modified version of it) being shared with the full
GPAC for further discussion?
As a note, your support for this draft will not set it in stone – it can still shift and grow as we
continue down the General Plan Update path in Phase Two.
Thanks for your time,
Ben Z.
Benjamin Zdeba, AICP
Planning Manager
Community Development Department
Office: 949-644-3253 100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
From: Mosher, Jim
Sent: August 21, 2024 12:59 PM
To: Zdeba, Benjamin; Stevens, Debbie
Cc: Acevedo, Nicholas; Black, Curtis; Desantis, Susan; Evans, Jeremy; Greer,
Arlene; Hackman, Lynn; Laidlaw, Scott; Scarbrough, Nancy; 'Elizabeth
Dickson'; Murillo, Jaime
Subject: Re: Input Requested by Tuesday, August 27: Draft Vision Statement
Ben,
My initial impression is this needs a lot of work.
If the GPAC is expected to agree on a set of principles to guide the Phase 2 policy
development, then I think this needs to be moved along very quickly, including getting buy-
in from both the full GPAC and the Council on what those principles should be.
In answer to your questions:
1. I do not know if this document accurately represents the input Dudek has received.
But I do think presenting it as a recommendation from the Vision Subcommittee
would be misleading, since we have never met as a group to discuss it, and, to the
best of my knowledge, have never discussed, let alone agreed on, what the guiding
principles for policy development should be.
2. I think prior discussion by the Subcommittee would be helpful, but with or without
it, I am comfortable presenting Dudek's document, or a revised version of it, to the
full GPAC on September 4. The Subcommittee needs their criticism, suggestions
and (hopefully) direction on how to improve it. I think the content of the Vision
Statement and Guiding Principles should be the work of the full GPAC, with the
Subcommittee's role confined mostly to helping the consultant find the best way to
package that agreed-on content.
The biggest problems I see with this initial draft are:
1. The Vision Statement could use a lot of wordsmithing. While some parts could be
more concisely stated, other parts of the 2050 vision seem to be missing, having
been (as noted in the following comment) confusingly moved to the "Guiding
Principles" section.
2. The format of the "Guiding Principles" section is very confusing. It appears to
attempt to express a one-sentence principle immediately after each blue heading.
However, the bullet points that appear under them do not seem to be sub-
principles. Instead, they seem to be sentences and fragments of sentences
describing the Newport Beach of 2050. In other words, they belong in the 2050
Vision Statement, and not, themselves, being principles, they only add confusion
when listed, without explanation, under that heading. Even the proposed principles
are not always clearly stated as principles.
3. The origin of some of the principles and visions is unknown to me.
4. At the same time, numerous key principles that need to be agreed to to guide policy
development seem missing.
To illustrate Points 1 and 2:
On page 3 of the document, under the heading "Maintain a Balanced and Connected
Community," "Balanced development that connects community members to their needs
creates a city that is functional, vibrant, and provides a high quality of life" seems a
statement of (what the author assumes to be) a shared belief or "guiding principle,"
although it seems to confusingly combine two distinct principles: (1) a need to "balance"
development, and (2) a need to "connect" citizens to needs.
Appearing under this is "Development that preserves and highlights local assets and
accommodates growth of a diverse population." That appears to be a description of the
hoped for state of development in Newport Beach in 2050. It is not a clear statement of
some shared belief or guiding principle that resulted in the outcome described. Nor is it a
complete sentence, as a principle would be. If translated into principles, it appears to
assume two: (1) "Development needs to occur in a way that preserves and highlight's
Newport Beach's local assets" and (2) "Development needs to accommodate the growth of
an increasingly diverse population."
To illustrate Point 3:
In the last bullet on the last page of the document, I find "A community with interest,
knowledge, and connection to the city’s history and the legacy of Tribal nations of the
land."
Again, this seems to be a description of a hoped-for state of the community in 2050. But I
don't know where the part about having "interest, knowledge, and connection to ... the
legacy of Tribal nations of the land" came from. I am unable to find anything about that in
the progress reports from the Arts & Cultural or Historical Resources Element
subcommittees. The closest I can find is that on page 25 of the Phase 1 Outreach
Summary document presented to the GPAC on July 29 and to the GPUSC on August 14,
2024, and now archived on Newport, Together, under "Collaboration with the General Plan
Advisory Committee," and subcategory "Community," I find "Highlight human and tribal
histories and legacy businesses."
To illustrate Point 4:
While I am not sure why nurturing interest in the tribal history of Newport Beach (as
admirable as that may be) has risen to such prominence, may other GPAC aspirations
stated on that same page do not seem to have made their way into the draft document at
all.
For example, I find nothing about "Housing is needed for first responders" or "Specific
Plans are needed to help guide development" or that "Internal communication and
coordination between departments to create fewer silos," to name a few random
examples.
Indeed, some of the most fundamental guiding principles needed to steer policy
development seem completely absent:
• Do we view visitors as an asset to be nurtured expanded or a nuisance to be
tolerated?
• Do we view airport growth as something vital to the local economy or something
that should be suppressed?
• What shared principle regarding traffic will guide whether PCH through Mariners
Mile should be widened, or not?
• How important is preserving beach widths?
• Do we believe part of the harbor should be preserved for low-cost access or is
gentrification better?
Additionally, I don't find principles guiding many of the outcomes hoped for in the Vision
Statement. As a random example, it highlights an expected "village" structure to the
Newport Beach of 2050, but I don't see stated the principle from which that is a necessary
outcome.
***
In short, I think much more thought needs to go into developing a set of guiding principles
and ensuring they indeed represent shared values.
It seems to me not just the Vision Subcommittee, but each element subcommittee should
consider what guiding principles will inform their policy review, and advance their
preferred principles for consideration for adoption by the full GPAC. Perhaps the Vision
Subcommittee could then help synthesize those into the overarching principles needed to
wed the elements together.
-- Jim Mosher
From: Evans, Jeremy
Sent: August 21, 2024 1:25 PM
To: Zdeba, Benjamin
Subject: Re: Input Requested by Tuesday, August 27: Draft Vision Statement
Hi Ben,
There should be mention of the small nature of the community and conservative culture. I would
change inclusivity to welcoming. Does Newport have tribal lands history?
Thank you!
Jeremy
From: Brown, Phillip
Sent: August 26, 2024 1:12 PM
To: Zdeba, Benjamin
Subject: Fwd: Vision Statement
Attachments: 20240826130900251.pdf
Ben, I have made a few comments to the vision statement. I am certain you are getting a lot
of comments from others as well. The vision statement did not seem to be forward thinking
and concise. It seems to dwell more on past accomplishments and what has been done.
Maybe that is the goal of the statement. Thank you.
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Mosher, Jim
Sent: August 28, 2024 9:49 AM
To: Zdeba, Benjamin
Cc: Murillo, Jaime; 'Elizabeth Dickson'; Evans, Jeremy; Gardner, Nancy
Subject: Re: Input Requested by Tuesday, August 27: Draft Vision Statement
Ben,
To reiterate my previous comment, I think the full GPAC, rather than any one
subcommittee, should be deciding the vision and principles that will be guiding the GPAC's
remaining work.
As such, it seems entirely appropriate to me for the full GPAC to be reviewing and
commenting on both the structure and content of Dudek's proposed statement on
September 4, whether or not the Vision Subcommittee has reached a consensus about it.
Hopefully Dudek is on the right track, but that seems essential to ensure the
subcommittee will not waste time refining something that may not be what the full
GPAC wants.
I also think it would be helpful to use the September 4 meeting to clarify staff and
consultants' vision of exactly what they expect the GPAC subcommittees and full GPAC to
do, and by when. I believe we have heard the plan is for a comprehensive update to be
completed and adopted by the City Council in "Summer 2025," which is just a year from
now.
I assume there is an internal timeline with milestones that will have to be reached to
accomplish that, including times by which subcommittees and the full GPAC will need to
complete tasks.
Even as a GPAC member, if I have ever seen that detailed timeline, I have lost track of it.
Hence, I think a review of what subcommittees and the full GPAC should be doing, and
when, would be helpful so we all know what is expected of us and so the subcommittee
activities properly mesh.
I don't see how postponing meetings will keep the work on track.
-- Jim
From: Debbie Stevens <dstevens@envaudit.com>
Sent: August 28, 2024 10:14 AM
To: Zdeba, Benjamin
Subject: Vision Statement
Attachments: Vision Statement DRAFT_8.13.2024_dbs.pdf
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Ben:
I made some suggested comments on the Vision statement. I think its generally a good start but there’s
an emphasis on development, as opposed to conservative or controlled development and no mention of
protecting the character of the various villages that comprise the City. I think a couple of the ideas from
the previous vision statement need to be maintained. I edited the pdf which is a little challenging
sometimes but highlighted those areas where changes are suggested. Let me know if you have any
questions.
Debbie Stevens
GU I DING PR I NC I PLES
Throughout the General Plan Update process, community members identified
many shared values and beliefs, which have been shaped into guiding principles.
These guiding principles help to achieve and sustain the community’s vision,
providing a foundation for General Plan goals, policies, and actions, and offering
guidance in making future decisions.
Maintain a Balanced and Connected Community
We have a conservative growth strategy that emphasizes residents' quality of
life. Balanced development that connects community members to their needs
creates a city that is functional, vibrant, and provides a high quality of life.
•Conservative development that preserves and highlights local assets and
accommodates growth of a diverse population
•Development that protects the character of our existing residential
communities and villages that comprise the City.
•A connected and defined transportation network that allows community
members to easily access key amenities and areas of interest.
•Incentives and regulations that encourage improvements to existing
buildings
•Residential development that is complemented by
accommodating services and amenities and protects the existing
villages
eFoster Environmental Stewardship
Environmental stewardship supports the preservation and enhancement of
the natural environment, so that it may be enjoyed by current and future
generations. •Residents who act as stewards of the natural environment
•A community that protects and maintains a clean environment, including
water, beaches, the harbor and bay, estuaries, cliffs and bluffs, parks, and
open space, as well as the flora and fauna that inhabit the
natural environment
Promote Coastal Resilience
Resilience is essential to adapting to environmental changes and protecting the
built and natural environment.
•Coastal development that works with nature to protect and enhance the
community, economy, and ecosystems
•Harbor, beaches, and a coastline that adapts to rising sea levels, storms,
and king tides
•Buildings and infrastructure that are designed to avoid, withstand, and
quickly recover from flooding
•Coastal ecosystems that are functional and protected, providing additional
safeguards for coastal waterfront development
•Adaptive development along coastal bluffs with landscaping and
infrastructure that reduces risk of landslides
•Sufficient safety buffers, thoughtful design in development, and robust
infrastructure that supports effective response to natural disasters
Facilitate Public Safety
Community safety is fostered through public education, infrastructure
investments, and sufficient public services.
•Safe streets, buildings, and public spaces that are enjoyed by residents,
employees, and visitors
•Equitable access to natural resources that offers recreation and refuge for
all residents
•Viewsheds that are safeguarded and and protected for all residents and
visitors to enjoy.
A harbor that is safe, clean and well enjoyed.
•A community that is rich in educational opportunities and historic, artistic,
and culture events, displays, and showcases
•A community with interest, knowledge, and connection to the city’s history
and the legacy of Tribal nations of the land
A community that is united in efforts to control and contain noise, air, and traffic
pollution associated with the John Wayne Airport.
A responsive government comprised of elected officials and City staff that listen and
respond to the interest of residents and the business community
Enclosure No. 3
Reference
Redline-Strikeout
Version
Vision Statement and Guiding
PrinciplesValues and Priorities
The development of the General Plan has been guided by the Vision Statement
and Guiding Principles Values and Priorities that were shaped through community
input provided by the General Plan Advisory Committee, the General Plan Update
Steering Committee, and the broader community. Together, these provide the
foundation for the General Plan’s goals, policies, and actions. The Vision
Statement provides a conceptual picture of a future Newport Beach in the year
2050. The Guiding Principles Values and Priorities are representative of
community values and identify community prioritiesaspirational themes that are
emphasized throughout the General Plan. Through the implementation of the
policies of the General Plan, Newport Beach will have the potential to become an
exceptional city.
VISION STATEMENT
Newport Beach is renowned as a coastal beacon of natural splendor, unparallelled
amenities, and dynamic culture. The city maintains a superior quality of life by
successfully balancing the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. Newport
Beach is adorned with unique villages, coastal amenities, and natural open
spaces; creating a unique sense of place. The coast, topography, natural open
spaces, various villages, beaches, harbor, topography, coast, and proximity to the
ocean distinguish Newport Beach as an idyllic community. Newport Beach’s
commitment to the protection of the natural environment has made the city a
leader of environmental stewardship in the region. Strong partnerships with
outside agencies and organizations have cultivated successful collaboration on
regional transportation, land use, coastline, and other issues of mutual concern.
The sweeping views of and access to beaches, the harbor, and the coast have
been preserved and are maintained for future generations.
Growth and development have been accommodated in a manner that seamlessly
blends new and old into the fabric of the community, keeping pace with changing
community needs while maintaining adequate infrastructure and a high quality of
life. The needs of the community are met through a variety of strategically
located uses including vibrant commercial services, offices and employment
centers, public facilities including community centers and libraries, parks and
open space, schools, residential neighborhoods, and visitor-serving uses. Strategic
planning and infrastructure investments continue to protect the health and
longevity of the built and natural environment. Adaptation and resilience are
central to all decision-making and have empowered Newport Beach to maintain a
vibrant coastal lifestyle that strengthens the local economy. The City’s world-class
public safety services safeguard its residents and visitors, creating safe and
friendly neighborhoods. Residents champion arts, culture, and education as pillars
of the community and take pride in their historic legacy. The community
embraces innovation and their progressive outlook has positioned them as
frontrunners in best practices for adopting new technologies. Newport Beach is
distinguished for its resilience, beauty, culture, resilience, and inclusivity for
residents of all stages of life and backgrounds.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES VALUES AND
PRIORITIES
Throughout the General Plan Update process, community members identified
many shared values aspirations and beliefs, which have been shaped into
Gguiding principlesValues and Priorities. These guiding principles Values and
Priorities help to achieve the community’s vision, providing a foundation for
General Plan goals, policies, and actions, and offering guidance in making future
decisions.
Maintain a Balanced and Connected Community
Conservative and balanced growth that emphasizes residents’ quality of life and
Balanced development that connects community members to their needs,
creating creates a city that is functional and, vibrant, and provides a high quality
of life.
• A governmental process that engages and is responsive to the needs of
residents and the business community, fostering civic engagement
• Conservative Ddevelopment that preserves and highlights local assets and
accommodates growth of a diverse population
• Development that protects the small character of existing residential
communities and villages that comprise the city.
• A connected transportation network that allows community members to
easily access key amenities
• Multi-modal transportation networks that are clearly defined and connect
the community to key areas of interest
• Incentives and regulations that encourage improvements to existing
buildings
• Residential development that is complemented by accommodating services
and amenities while protecting existing villages
• A small, tight-knit community that benefits from strong social connections
Foster Environmental Stewardship
Environmental stewardship supports the preservation and enhancement of the
natural environment, so that it may be enjoyed by current and future
generations.
• Residents that act as stewards of the natural environment
• A community that protects and maintains a clean environment, including
water, beaches, the harbor and bay, estuaries, cliffs and bluffs, parks, and
open space, as well as the flora and fauna that inhabit the natural
environment
• A harbor, bay, and beaches that are safe, clean, and enjoyed by all
• Equitable access to natural resources that offers recreation and refuge for
all residents
• Viewsheds that are safeguarded and work in harmony with development to
protect views for all residents and visitors to enjoy
• Clean air that protects and enhances public health and the environment
• A community that is protected from excessive exposure to noise to protect
community peace and quiet
Promote Coastal Resilience
Resilience is essential to adapting to environmental changes and protecting the
built and natural environment.
• Coastal development that works with nature to protect and enhance the
community, economy, and ecosystems
• Harbor, beaches, and a coastline that adapts to rising sea levels, storms,
and king tides
• Buildings and infrastructure that are designed to avoid, withstand, and
quickly recover from flooding
• Coastal ecosystems that are functional and protected, providing additional
safeguards for coastal waterfront development
• Adaptive development along coastal bluffs with landscaping and
infrastructure that reduces risk of landslides
• Sufficient safety buffers, thoughtful design in development, and robust
infrastructure that supports effective response to natural disasters
Facilitate Public Safety
Community safety is fostered through public education, infrastructure
investments, and sufficient public services.
• Safe streets, buildings, and public spaces that are enjoyed by residents,
employees, and visitors
• National leaders in emergency response and preparedness to safeguard the
community
• A community that is prepared and well-informed in the event of an
emergency
• A strong sense of community that fosters communication among residents
to support one another in an emergency
Embrace Innovative Technologies
Innovative technologies benefit cities when they are planned for and thoughtfully
integrated into city decisions, regulations, and development.
• A city that embraces and prepares for new and emerging technologies in
communication, program management, transportation, and other
innovative opportunities
• Technology that is effectively leveraged to engage with community
members, respond to emerging trends and needs, and track General Plan
implementation
• Infrastructure that supports emerging technologies that contribute to
enhanced environmental quality
• Regulations and measures that support new technologies while protecting
public safety and quality of life
Celebrate Art, Culture, and History
Culture, art, and history make up the tapestry that bonds the community together
and creates a sense of civic pride.
• Art that is highlighted throughout the city representing the common
language and shared experiences that exist between all cultures
• History that is commemorated through community events and within
public spaces.
• A community that is rich in educational opportunities and historic, artistic,
and culture events, displays, and showcases
• A community with interest, knowledge, and connection to the city’s history
and the legacy of Tribal nations of the land.