Summary | 5
• Create an open space network that protects and provides connections to important
environmental systems like the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Area and
provides a place for multiple uses such as storm water management, biodiversity and
recreation.
• Reverse the trend within in the Study Area of low density suburban residential
development sprawl that does not have services within reasonable walking and biking
distances.
• Maximize the use of naturalized storm water management techniques to protect regional
watersheds, promote environmental stewardship, create opportunities for recreation and
to lessen costs for underground piping.
Implementation Strategies
Fully realizing the economic potential of the Study Area will require the collective effort
of city leadership, civic leaders, institutions and the community at large to “pull together”
toward a common goal. Successful economic development, according to the Wisconsin
Economic Development Institute, requires the creation of an implementation plan that
is crafted in collaboration with public and private stakeholders throughout the region; a
funding plan that meets the needs of the master plan while also expanding the sources
of funding available for economic development; and performance metrics that establish
benchmarks and enables progress reviews. Implementation also requires consistent land
use plans, development standards, codes and ordinances that support the vision. Where
implementation strategies and action steps for the study area involve changes to the City’s
existing development standards (e.g. Transportation Corridor Overlay District Policy), codes,
and ordinances, they should be as specific as possible to facilitate the development review
process.
Several forward looking cities across the country, such as Portland, Boston, Seattle, and
Austin are successfully implementing economic development plans that are oriented toward
future economic, environmental and social sustainability and attracting new businesses
that would help ensure adherence to their unique vision. There are also several movements
afoot to help cities codify principles related to smarter growth. The reality is that to be
competitive, Chesapeake needs to be enthusiastic about making the changes necessary
to remain viable and to be in position to attract businesses that will lead it into the future.
This involves several steps according to the review of several publications or organizations
dedicated to research in this topic such as the Wisconsin Economic Development Institute
(WEDI), the Portland Economic Development Strategy (PEDS), Smart Growth America,
the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC), the Bristol Bay Native Association
(BBNA).
According to WEDI, prospering in the new economy requires:
1. Knowing your region’s economic function in the global economy.
2. Creating a skilled and educated workforce.
3. Investing in an infrastructure for innovation.
4. Creating a great quality of life.
5. Fostering an innovative business climate.
6. Reinventing and digitizing government.
7. Taking regional governance and collaboration seriously.
