Page 13 - Northville Township

PATHWAYS TO ACTION

The Framework for Action in each plan section provides goals and identifies strategic action priorities.

A Goal is a statement of a desired outcome (“end”) toward which efforts are directed as expressed by more specific
objectives and action steps (“means”).

A strategic Action Priority is aimed at seizing a special opportunity or addressing a particular challenge one faces, given
limited resources – financial and otherwise – and recognizing that a broader agenda of new or ongoing activities will also
be pursued in the meantime.

The strategic actions are presented in five categories that represent the major ways that Master Plan goals and initiatives
are typically advanced and accomplished:

Capital Investments

Like many local governments, Northville Township uses a multi-year Capital Improvement Program,
or “CIP,” to identify and budget for “big ticket” projects, especially those that must be phased and/or
coordinated with other initiatives. This may include water, sanitary sewer and drainage improvements;
parks, trails and recreation facility construction and upgrades; construction of public buildings; and purchase of land,
vehicles or major equipment. With a typical five-year outlook, a CIP provides predictability regarding the jurisdiction’s
capital investment plans and priorities for the benefit and awareness of private interests and citizens. Anticipating and
adequately budgeting for major capital projects will be essential to implementing this plan. Likewise, decisions regarding
the prioritization of proposed capital improvements should reflect the direction and priorities of this plan.

Programs and Initiatives

Programs involve the routine activities of Township departments and staff, as well as special projects and
initiatives they may also undertake. As part of Master Plan implementation, this method may include
initiating new or adjusting existing Township programs and activities; expanding community outreach
efforts; or providing specialized training to accomplish a priority objective more promptly and/or
effectively. Other Township partners – public, private and/or non-profit – may also have ongoing programs or choose to
pursue new initiatives that lead to desired outcomes expressed in the Master Plan goals or in specific action steps.

Regulations and Standards

Given that private investment decisions account for a vast majority of the Township’s physical form,
land development regulations and engineering standards are fundamental for plan implementation.
Consequently, zoning and subdivision regulations and associated development criteria and technical
engineering standards are the basic keys to ensuring that the form, character and quality of development
reflect the Township’s planning objectives. These codes should advance the community’s desire for quality development
outcomes while recognizing economic factors. They should not delay or interfere unnecessarily with appropriate new
development or redevelopment that is consistent with plan principles and directives.
Partnerships and Coordination

Some community initiatives identified in this plan cannot be accomplished by Township government
on its own. They may require direct coordination, intergovernmental agreements or funding support
from other public entities or levels of government. Additionally, the unique role of potential private and
non-profit partners to advance the community’s action agenda should not be underestimated. This may
occur through cooperative efforts, volunteer activities and in-kind services (which can count toward the local match
requirements for various grant opportunities), and from public/private financing of community improvements.

Approved August 17, 2023 11