Population
Includes information related to historic trends and projections; the number, size and characteristics of households; educational levels and trends; income characteristics and trends; and race, sex and age of residents.
Economic development
Includes historical trends and projections on the numbers and characteristics of the labor force, where the people who live in the community work, where people who work in the community reside, available employment characteristics and trends, and an economic base analysis.
Natural resources
Includes information on coastal resources, prime agricultural and forest land, plant and animal habitats, unique park and recreation areas, wetlands and soil types. This element could also include information on flood plain and flood way areas, mineral deposits or air quality.
Cultural resources
Includes information on historic buildings and structures; unique commercial or residential areas; unique natural or scenic resources; archeological sites; and educational, religious or entertainment areas or institutions.
Community facilities
References activities essential to the growth, development or redevelopment of the community. Separate consideration can be given to utilities, fire, emergency or educational facilities. The local government must adopt this element before adopting land development regulations.
Housing
Includes an analysis of existing housing by location, type, age, condition, owner and renter occupancy and affordability. It includes projections of housing needs to accommodate existing and future population as identified in the population and economic elements. This element requires an analysis of local regulations and market-based incentives that could affect or encourage the development of affordable housing.
Land use
Deals with the development characteristics of the land. It considers existing and future land use by categories including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, forestry, mining, public and quasi-public, recreation, parks, open space, and vacant or undeveloped land. The findings, projections and conclusions from the other elements will influence the amount of land needed for various uses. The local government must adopt this element before adopting the zoning ordinance.
Transportation
Considers transportation facilities including major road improvements, new road construction, and pedestrian and bicycle projects. This element must be developed in coordination with the land use element to ensure transportation efficiency for existing and planned development.
Priority investment
Requires an analysis of projected federal, state and local funds available for public infrastructure and facilities for the next 10 years. It identifies areas of town the community wants to see investment occur. Recommendations must be coordinated with other relevant agencies.
Other elements
Includes additional elements that local communities deem necessary. For example, Greenwood included an energy element targeted at evaluating the city's standards, policies and procedures to reduce energy use in the community. Other examples include encouraging integrating alternative modes of transportation in new developments, promoting the use of compact development and clustering incentives, and developing siting standards for public uses within close proximity of population centers.
Voices. Knowledge. Solutions.