The primary focus of City Development Efforts should be to benefit existing residents. A secondary but important focus is to attract new residents to the City. The City must face the stark reality of certain deteriorating conditions. It must stem key losses -the loss of housing units, businesses and school children. Strategies for investment must be developed in a coordinated manner so that clear linkages are established to maximize the impact of public investments.
Comprehensive planning is key to neighborhood stabilization and revitalization.
Issues of education, safety, housing , municipal services, health and human services, economic development, and the role of community organizations must be part of any comprehensive plan. Interagency planning, coordination and cooperation should be encouraged and fostered. Large scale projects requiring interagency cooperation should be coordinated through the Mayor's Office. An inclusive and exhaustive community planning process should characterize the development of plans. Residents, neighborhood groups and all constituencies should be involved to insure plan ownership.