Specifically, it means that, throughout the process, the community needs to remain open to new information. Conclusions reached in earlier stages need continually to be reassessed in the light of new information as it becomes available. Early in the planning process the community will have identified certain issues and problems as of primary concern. However, additional data and information obtained later in the process may make those issues and problems seem less important. Nevertheless, in real life, communities rarely embark on the preparation of a plan with an entirely blank-slate.
Planning is hard work.
It takes time and energy, and costs money. As a result, when communities embark on preparing a plan, they usually do so for a reason. Often, planning is prompted by the recognition that a serious problem exists that needs to be addressed. Or the spark that prompts a community to feel that it needs a plan may arise from a major development proposal that promises to have a significant impact on a community. When planning is prompted by a problem or crisis, the focus of planning, not surprisingly, is typically on solving that particular problem.