Get everyone moving in the right direction and then let them run! Planning terms can be overwhelming. Whether or not they should, they can differ between funders, planners and types of plans. No matter what the different sections or processes of the plan are called, you can empower your team by developing a common language and expectations at the beginning.

One of the most important things you can do is make sure your planning team includes individuals who have the power to take action and implement the plan rather than people who want to tell other people what to do. Implementation may include development and adoption of policy, outreach and education, permitting, purchase of land easements, private fundraising, grant writing, funds management, construction or other components.

Each year communities and groups across Iowa collectively develop thousands of plans. Prepared by Northeast Iowa RC&D, this series provides strategies from their experience that will help transform your plan from a cookie cutter document that sits on a shelf to an action orientated guide for the future.