Lesson 2.2 – Determine The Gap

Determine The Gap:

With a basic understanding of the issues related to annexations, the next step is to define the gap between where your community’s policies are today, and where your community desires them to be in the future. As the issue champion, you need to be sure that you can answer the following questions before you move onto the next step:

• What is your municipality’s current policies regulating annexations?
• Does the current policy meet the requirements set forth by the State?
• Is the current process efficient for the municipality and applicants?
• Where is growth most likely to occur in the future?
• What assets in the county are near your municipality, and how important is it that your community have a say in how they are developed?
• Does your community have the ability to extend services to areas considered for annexation?
• How would current growth projects be influenced by the zoning proposed for annexation areas?

Action Items:

1. Assemble an information packet that consists of the files that are located in the “materials” tab of this CiviclinQ course. Customize the blue highlighted fields with local names, titles, dates, and section numbering. The packet should include:
   • Your community’s currently adopted annexation plan / policy.
   • CiviclinQ’s best practice guide on annexations. 
   • Model code for the annexation plan / policy. 
2. Schedule a work session with the legislative body(ies) (planning commission / council members).  The agenda items should include:
   • Consideration of a draft ordinance adjusting the policies regarding annexation.
3. Combine and distribute the materials to relevant staff and council members.

Move to Lesson 3.1