Informed Community Involvement - Importance and Role of the Strategic Plan

A Premise

Managing municipalities is a monumental responsibility, demanding a delicate balance between maintaining existing infrastructure and generating revenue amid finite resources while also planning for current and future development needs. Since World War II, municipalities have heavily relied on development as a primary revenue stream. However, as available space for development diminishes, always borrowing from future revenue, is now evidently unsustainable.

Countless elected officials assume their roles with the conviction that governing tasks are not adequately addressed and that they possess the financial expertise to rectify these shortcomings. Accepted, sanctioned, and governmentally overseen municipal budget practices set the boundaries and describe preferred outcomes based on goals of a bygone era. Constructed in a time when resources seemed infinite, the target for success has never been altered to meet the current demands of success for communities. If it had been, they would seek other revenue streams and ways to achieve incremental redevelopment.

In light of these challenges, the necessity of a well-crafted, inclusive strategic plan can’t be overstated. Such a plan begins with creating various inventories, each serving as a fundamental building block. These inventories encompass diverse aspects, including assessing existing regulations aligned or misaligned with the specific objectives outlined in the strategic plan, comprehensive evaluations of property types and their spatial coverage, and an analysis of open spaces with a clear delineation of their types and characteristics. These are assessment tools, but more importantly, they are communication tools.

A strategic plan is not just a reflection of property owners' objectives; it encapsulates the collective aspirations of all residents and businesses within the community. It is a dynamic document, continuously evolving to stay relevant to current events while remaining adaptable to future trends and developments. This document serves as a unifying force, fostering engagement and inclusivity. It is not just a platform for dialogue and guidance beyond regulations, but also a catalyst for nontraditional solutions to emerging challenges.

In my view, the Town of Colonie's strategic plan falls short in several key areas. It lacks the necessary regulatory support and fluidity, and it does not foster the level of engagement and inclusivity needed to be a valuable tool in decision-making processes. While Supervisor Crummey's efforts, as outlined in the State of the Town address on January 18, 2024, and reflected on the town's new Dashboard, have successfully addressed many repairs and goals from the community's Wishlist, there are still areas that need attention.

Supervisor Crummey's commitment to enhancing transparency is commendable and contributes to building trust within the community. I am grateful for his work in this regard.

However, from a pragmatic standpoint, I continue to question the town's ability to sustain the maintenance it has achieved, given factors such as current development practices and finite ability to tax property. There is an increasing number of underutilized office buildings and a growing number of empty storefronts. With property and sales tax revenue being the primary sources of income for municipalities and expenses continuously rising—particularly with ongoing infrastructure needs—a pressing concern arises regarding the allocation of funds. It's essential for us to consider how we can ensure long-term financial stability while meeting the evolving needs of our community.

Having actively participated in the redevelopment of the Town of Colonie's strategic plan, I've gained invaluable insights through my engagement in town board meetings, planning sessions, zoning meetings, and public statement periods. These experiences have underscored the vital importance of early community involvement in decision-making processes regarding developments in our town. However, effective community engagement in Colonie is not without its challenges. Despite our efforts, the resulting strategic plan fell short in fully reflecting community input and fostering responsive contributions. Recognizing the need for improvement, I am committed to seeking out examples of successful community interaction from other municipalities and sharing these insights. Moreover, I endeavor to foster dialogue within our community, firmly believing in the power of civil discourse and embracing the principle that "Together we stand, divided we fall."

Effective community involvement transcends mere attendance at meetings; it necessitates proactive engagement at the opportune moment. By participating early in the process, residents can ensure their voices are heard and contribute meaningfully to shaping their community's future. This collaborative approach cultivates a sense of ownership and inclusivity, ultimately leading to more informed and equitable decision-making processes. The Town of Colonie needs this more than ever before.