After two years of work by city staff, Redmond 2030, the city’s comprehensive plan, has received a makeover.

In addition to a redesigned print version, the City of Redmond has also published an interactive version online, which people can explore to learn more about the city’s long-term vision for the future. Redmond 2030 is available at www.redmond.gov/compplan.

Before creating the online version of Redmond 2030, city staff had to update the entire plan. Pete Sullivan, a senior planner for the City of Redmond, said this effort was completed and adopted by City Council in December 2011.

“We’ve overhauled so many things in the city,” he said about the work.

All cities in Washington are required by state law to have a long-term comprehensive plan and the City of Redmond was the first in the state to have completed this update. Redmond City Council’s action culminated a two-year process that included participation by many in the community.

Sullivan said with the print version of Redmond 2030 at almost 450 pages, the digital version is easier to navigate and is compatible on multiple platforms such as computers, tablets and smart phones. He said having an online format lines up with the city’s values for the high-tech industry.

“The digital version looks and functions like a 21st century document, consistent with Redmond’s identity as an innovative, tech city,” Sullivan said. “The goal was not only to improve the document’s appearance, but make it more user friendly.”

The digital version includes internal links to help with navigation and is linked to external references such as the Electronic Zoning Code, which has been revamped digitally, as well. In addition, the text in the online Redmond 2030 is searchable and key information such as maps and tables are now easier to locate.

Sullivan added that the digital version of the comprehensive plan will also line up with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) come next year as city staff are working to make it accessible to all users.

The comprehensive plan describes Redmond’s vision for the future: A place with urban centers in downtown and Overlake, improved neighborhood connections and high-quality services delivered in partnership with the community.

Users will be able to read more about Redmond’s vision and goals with regard to land use, transportation, parks, recreation and the arts, housing, the environment and other topics. The comprehensive plan reflects the long-term values and aspirations of the community as a whole and guides the physical development and enhancement of the city.

“It’s comprehensive…an exhaustive look,” said Sarah Stiteler, another senior planner for the city. “No territory is left unturned…This is the city’s vision for the future.”

Sullivan said Redmond 2030 is a little different from the city’s zoning code in that it reads more as a narrative, telling the city’s story. Former Redmond poet laureate Rebecca Meredith has also provided poetry that is woven throughout the comprehensive plan sections.

Stiteler said Redmond 2030 has been a homegrown project with the majority of the work done “in-house” or by former city employees.

For more information about the Comprehensive Plan, or to share your feedback about the new digital version, contact Sullivan at (425) 556-2469 or ppsullivan@redmond.gov or Stiteler at (425) 56-2469 or sstiteler@redmond.gov.