The wants and needs of the towns are of the first importance in this planning. Strong local planning is important to the process of dividing up state money. The state needs guidance from the towns in spending state funds in areas around the towns. Towns that have identified their future needs, and their needs as they relate to the state and county-controlled areas around the towns, can more effectively guide the use of state resources. Municipal plans also give towns guidance in planning their own infrastructure investments.
Wise investments yield better results.
A municipal plan can serve as a yardstick against which to measure the change in a community over time. The snapshot of the town that the plan provides becomes a baseline to measure change in the next planning process. Therefore it is important to review the plan, go through the process, on a regular basis. Plans also help identify opportunities for a town. The process of planning involves taking a fresh look at the town.