A number of people have asked me to explain the purpose of the General Plan Update.

This is the most important project we will undertake as a city since incorporation. General plans are often called a city’s constitution…a statement of who we are and what we value as a community.

The State of California requires all cities to adopt a general plan that includes required elements – Land Use, Housing, Circulation, Resource Management, Noise and Public Safety. The city also included an optional element - Recreation. The plan also states community goals for how the city should grow (or not grow) in the future.

There has not been a comprehensive review and update of the General Plan since it was written over 20 years ago. A variety of state laws, court rulings and new issues such as sustainability and climate change have made it difficult to simply “tweak” sections and maintain internally consistent policies throughout the plan.

It is critical that the community stay informed and engaged in this process. Visit the General Plan Update website and sign up for eAlerts about upcoming workshops, lecture series and other opportunities for community involvement. http://www.encinitas2035.info/

I am positive we can protect our quality of life and keep Encinitas a wonderful place for future generations.