Comprehensive Planning Process
The City of Schenectady is embarking on a major initiative called Electric City Recharged to update its Comprehensive plan 2020, originally adopted in 2008. To ensure a thorough and effective process, the City is proceeding in a two-phased approach. Phase 1, Community Engagement and Visioning, will focus on robust public engagement and visioning exercises to gather community input and establish a shared vision for the future. Phase 1 has officially kicked off as of October, 2024 and will conclude in June 2025 with an in-depth Community Profile and Phase 1 Summary Report detailing the proposed vision and a set of goals.
The City is also seeking funding through a NYSDOS Smart Growth Grant to support Phase 2, which will entail developing and implementing the updated Comprehensive Plan.
The project is being led by a Comprehensive plan Committee, City staff, and a consultant team. Meet the project team here.
Public Participation Plan
The Community Participation Plan (“PPP”) aims to identify an approach to gather input and feedback from the community and stakeholders, educate and inform the public about the Comprehensive Plan, and build support for a successful Comprehensive Plan Update.
The PPP is intended to help clarify: (1) the responsibilities of the City of Schenectady, the LaBella Associates consultant team, and the Comprehensive Plan Committee; and (2) the methods by which the public will be informed of and engaged in the planning effort. The Plan identifies a variety of forums and outreach mechanisms to engage all interested persons in the development and preparation of the Comprehensive Plan Update. This is a living document that will be updated and used throughout the planning process to engage as many people as possible.