New city plan needs your vote to be updated

A city that doesn't have a plan for its growth is guaranteed to have a haphazard future.

Fortunately, the city of Yuma has had such a plan — known as the General Plan — since 2002. It outlines areas for potential growth, details what types of growth and indicates infrastructure needs. It is in essence a blueprint for the city's future.

But it is now time to update that plan. In fact, city officials have noted state law requires it have a plan and that it be updated every 10 years, which makes sense given the inevitable changes that take place in a community over time.

That is why Proposition 402 is on the November ballot. Voters are being asked to approve the updated 2012 Yuma General Plan.

The plan looks at land use, transportation, recreation and open space, housing conditions, redevelopment needs, environmental issues, energy needs, public services, safety issues and development costs.

The new plan did not just magically appear. There has been a multiyear effort to get the necessary public input. It has also been reviewed by various local, state and federal agencies to ensure it is headed in the right direction from their viewpoints.

Although it is called a “plan,” the reality is that it is more of a guide for planners and city officials when it comes time for them to make decisions on projects and authorize funding for infrastructure expansion. It is not set in stone. City officials can rethink the plan and the public can provide input in the future that redefines how the city grows, if needed.

The main advantage of having a plan is that it helps give developers, school districts, the city and others an idea of where to place their future resources.

Voters should approve the new plan because like anything that looks at the future, there is a need to update it over time.