Individually, these principles embody ideas that have already been discussed and, in some cases, implemented in the region and throughout the country. Together, they represent a powerful consensus on what is needed to create successful neighborhoods and communities in our metropolitan area. The Kansas City metropolitan area is expected to grow vigorously in the next twenty years. The principles of Creating Quality Places describe and illustrate how that expected growth could ideally occur. In the second phase, a Creating Quality Places website was created to offer case studies and identify tools that can facilitate implementation of the principles.
Tools range from model codes and ordinances to funding and financing mechanisms.
These resources highlight best practices locally and nationally. Since the Creating Quality Places principles are not intended to be prescriptive, the tools are an important component of the Creating Quality Places program. They will provide elected officials, planning agencies and private developers and builders with a catalogue of tested and effective strategies with which to implement the principles. Ultimately, implementation of these regional principles requires collaboration among public, private and civic interests. Local governments support quality developments through appropriate policies, regulations and incentives, which consider new growth as well as the redevelopment and adaptive re-use of older, established residential and business areas.