Most actions of a planning agency are subject to review by Council in some form or other. Planning Commission members are typically appointed either by the mayor or Council. Its activities are subject to review and approval by Council, as are the activities of the Planning Department staff.
Council support of the work of a planning agency cannot be taken for granted. At one juncture, with one set of Council members, certain agency activities may be seen as vital. However, new Council members may view these activities as largely extraneous and unnecessary, and redirect them. Because Council "giveth" and Council "taketh away" it is incumbent on planners to stay alert to the need to regularly educate and inform Council members on planning issues.
The importance of the cooperation of individual local City Councils to the preservation movement cannot be overstated, for historic buildings cannot be protected through federal or state programs. Only through local ordinances can such protection be given. Only local ordinance can deny property owners the right to demolish or alter historic buildings. To have a good planning program requires the care and nuturing of the local City Council, not just when a big vote is upcoming, but through regular contact and communication.
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Consolidated Metropolitan Government |
Scottsdale's One-Stop Services Center |
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