South Gate Wins Public Outreach Award

South Gate's General Plan Update wins 2007 Los Angeles American Planning Association Outstanding Public Outreach Award

Community outreach and participation is paramount to the success of any public process. Today, the City of South Gate celebrates recognition from one of the nation's leading planning associations. The Los Angeles section of the American Planning Association, has selected the City of South as the 2007 Award recipient for the Public Outreach Award, for outstanding public outreach and community engagement on the General Plan Update.

The "South Gate General Plan 2030" is a long-term planning effort which has emphasized public participation from the onset. In the last 10 months, hundreds of South Gate community members have participated in numerous General Plan outreach events including; five large-scale public workshops known as the "Community Congress", smaller public forums, and meetings with students, local clubs, and community groups.

Throughout the General Plan process, residents and stakeholders have had the opportunity to work with city officials and staff in addressing important issues such as growth, housing, transportation, education, safety, economic development and the built environment.Mayor of South Gate, Bill De Witt, agrees, "Never before have I seen such overwhelming support for planning in the City of South Gate. We are excited that the community is committed to working with the city to develop a vision for change. The General Plan Update provides the framework to do just that."

Input from the public has shaped the City's Vision and Guiding Principles for the General Plan. Eleven guiding principles articulate and re-affirm the community's values and vision for achieving a greater South Gate in the years ahead, these include: A City that Grows; A Green City; A Family-Oriented City; Strong Neighborhoods; Transportation Choices; Economic Vitality; Vibrant Tweedy Mile and Corridors; Life-Long Learning; A Beautiful City; A Healthy Environment; and Community Participation.

The General Plan serves as a city's "blueprint" for future development. It represents the community's view of its future; it consists of goals and policies upon which the city council and planning commission will base their land use decisions. South Gate is currently updating the Land Use, Housing, Circulation, Economic Development, and Community Design Elements of the General Plan.

For more information, contact Steve Lefever, Director of Community Development, at (323) 563-9566.