Page 6 - Greensboro, NC-GSO 2040 Comprehensive Plan

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look
“Nothing is constant but change.” around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Heraclitus Ferris Bueller
How are we responding to these and other changes? Our plan is
So what does a Greek philosopher from 500 BC have in common framed by Six Big Ideas:
with a pop icon from the 1980’s? Their quotes sum up how we feel
about change in our community. Since the fall of 2017, we have • Filling in Our Framework
been taking our friend Ferris’ advice, we have been looking around • Creating Great Places
our city together to remind ourselves just what makes Greensboro • Becoming Car Optional
remarkable. The adversities we have overcome, the progress we have
Sue Schwartz, FAICP made, and the indelible marks we have made on our nation’s history. • Prioritizing Sustainability
Planning Director • Building Community Connections
We also took the time to see how we have changed, and how the • Growing Economic Competitiveness
world is changing around us. Knowing that change is constant, a Each has goals and strategies to guide Greensboro towards bringing
city’s comprehensive plan is a guide for the community on how, those Six Big Ideas to life. The ideas are big, but taking intentional
where, and what kind of change will make Greensboro even better for steps that might seem small or unrelated will add up to a better
future generations. One of our biggest takeaways is not only that the future for us all.
rate of change around us is faster than ever before, but that we are
also living in an era of “disruptors”: changes that are so dramatic, that The most important thing to know? This is GREENSBORO’s Plan!
they alter the trajectory of growth. Examples? Autonomous vehicles, Since the fall of 2017, staff has actively sought input on more than
5G networks, on-line shopping, to name a few. 150 occasions, ranging from traditional community workshops,
to pop-ups at public events and local retailers, to presentations at
So what are the changes that Greensboro as a city must prepare for? civic clubs or neighborhood associations, and at focus groups with
• More choices for where and how we live. Approximately 67% the development community and environmental interests, among
of us live in one- and two-person households. A majority of us others. These discussions were a rich resource of ideas and concerns,
desire more walkable places to live that provide better access to as well as reminders of what makes us uniquely Greensboro.
services, recreation, and our work. Throughout this document we have highlighted quotes from these
• More choices for how we get from place to place. In addition to conversations to remind us where these ideas are from.
walking more, new technology is changing how we think about
getting from place to place, from autonomous vehicles to the The second most important thing to know is that the conversations
popularity of micromobility options, like scooters and bike share are far from over! Throughout this process it became clear that
services. This calls for a close look at the distances and quality of Greensboro needs more area plans for development guidance, in
connections between where people live, work, and shop. areas that are dealing with growth pressures, in areas to leverage
economic development investments, and in areas in need of
• How we earn a living and how we shop are changing. reinvestment. These plans are most effective when all stakeholders
This means our local economy is evolving, too. Historically, are fully involved in their development and implementation.
Greensboro has always made things: primarily furniture,
textiles, and tobacco products. Now that spirit is broader and The PLANIT GSO process has been a wonderful adventure. Learning
encompasses a range of activities from the largest maker space more about our community, our people and dreaming about what
in the southeast (with demand for more), to making small jets. is possible for our future. A future the people of Greensboro are
The growth of online shopping exploded in the last year, and committed to. As we transition from our planning process, PLANIT
its growth is expected to accelerate, continuing to change the GSO, to our comprehensive plan, GSO2040, we move forward with
businesses that make up a large part of our City. the community’s hopes and dreams and Greensboro's determination
to make it happen.
3 |GSO 2040 Comprehensive Plan