Given the number of issues typically addressed in community plans, implementing a newly adopted plan can seem overwhelming. A well-written plan implementation strategy can help to ease these concerns. The strategy should identify plan implementation recommendations in order of priority, a realistic timeframe for completion, parties responsible for implementation, and potential funding sources.

Timeline and Priorities

A sample plan implementation legend is shown at right. This example establishes priorities on the basis of short, medium, long-term and ongoing activities. Short-term priorities are defined as items that are either time‐sensitive to address or relatively easy to implement and can be handled within one to three years. Medium-term priorities are not as time sensitive or may be more difficult to implement due to funding constraints or complexity. Long-term priorities are preceded by higher priorities and may be addressed as human, political or financial resources become available. Ongoing activities are continuing in nature or do not lend themselves well to target completion dates.

Responsible Party

Parties responsible for implementation are also shown in this example. A local government does not need to rely solely on its own resources to implement a plan. In addition to local departments, boards and commissions, the plan commission should consider how to involve and leverage the resources of the broader community. For example, conservation organizations, lake districts, business associations, and other similar groups are often well-equipped and may be eager to assist with plan implementation. In most cases, responsibility for plan implementation should be divided among a number of entities.

Funding

An important, yet often overlooked part of preparing an implementation strategy is considering how the community will finance the recommendations included in its plan. Funding recommendations for an outdoor recreation plan are illustrated below. Cost estimates are provided for each recommendation along with potential funding sources.

Funding for Plan Implementation Example

The Village of Menomonee Falls Outdoor Recreation Plan provides cost estimates and potential funding sources for each plan implementation recommendation.