Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Laguna Beach Vision Planning Project?

While the population of Laguna Beach has been fairly constant for the past ten years, during the same period the surrounding Orange County area has undergone significant growth and change. Over the last several years, Laguna's public officials, business interests and residents have repeatedly expressed an interest in understanding current and pending impacts of change on this community, and what that change portends for the future particularly as it relates to quality of life.

Along with this, there has been expressed the desire to develop a shared vision for the future which is subscribed to by all community interests; and that this vision be used as a guide for future action and decision making.

What is the "vision planning process?"

The project would consists of two parts:

1. The first is to identify and include all Laguna citizens in a collaborative, broad-based, consensus building effort which results in a "vision" of what the community wants Laguna Beach to be in twenty to thirty years.

2. The second part develops a practical and concrete "Strategic Plan" which provides a road map for attaining the Vision. The Strategic Plan could incorporate a variety of initiatives and activities. For example, it could include proposed changes to the City's General Plan, revisions to the Municipal Code, programs to lobby the State and Federal government, the creation of new public or private programs, the construction of new public projects, or the development of decision-making criteria.

Ultimately, a Strategic Plan could influence commercial and residential development, establish internal budgetary priorities, and influence future decisions regarding housing, transportation, traffic, parking, technology, community information systems, environment, open space, quality of life, or create momentum for future public private partnerships.

Who is involved in the process?

Everyone and anyone who is a resident or has an interest in the future of Laguna Beach.

How long will this take?

The Laguna Beach Vision Steering Committee estimates that it will take 12 months to complete this process and insure that all citizens have an opportunity to participate.

Why is this important?

People have chosen to live in Laguna Beach because of its natural beauty and the quality of life that it affords its citizens.

There are substantial economic and development issues taking place all around Laguna Beach. Additionally, Laguna Beach welcomed 3 million tourists this last year. Laguna Beach cannot hope to maintain its unique village atmosphere and quality of life without making a major effort at planning its future.

Why isn't this just another exercise in planning by the usual people and special interests?

The fundamental objective of this process is to develop a vision that is derived from the community. To have credibility and impact, such a visioning process must be all-inclusive-that is, it must have the participation of citizens from all quarters of Laguna Beach. Residents, elected officials, appointed city committee members, neighborhood associations, the business community and the children of our town will all be involved in this planning process.

For more information call: (949) 497-0798 or visit: www.visionlaguna.org.