The Planning Lady

By Chapter 9 of Multisolving by Elizabeth Sawin readers have learned all the major concepts of multisolving and the connection to systems with this approach. When put into action there are numerous considerations and many expected results. The process can become cyclical, with much of the work happening behind the scenes or below the surface. The idea of multisolving as a cycle resonates because it fits in with the idea of building momentum for action and opportunity for growth. It also acknowledges the fact that actions do not always result in implementation the first go around. It can take several election or funding cycles before a project takes off.

A series of clusters where multisolving works are outlined at the start of the chapter. The ecological human scale community design was the most interesting because the design of the built environment has so many ripple benefits. Starting with that basic principle, you end up with a walkable, bikable, transit friendly community that encourages interaction and supports local ecosystems. With a design background and my current career in planning, I’m more drawn to these types of solutions, especially because their multiple benefits are easy to see and calculate. Not listed that could potentially be added to the list would be diverse and attainable housing because it has a ripple benefit. When adopting a housing first model, it allows formerly homeless individuals the opportunity to meet their most basic need for shelter, freeing up the rest of their energy to improve their health, find a job, and learn new skills.

A focus in the chapter is the below the surface work that is required to successfully implement a multisolving approach and to be prepared when opportunities arise to act. This type of work is slower, with more sustained efforts that aren’t usually what the public or others see. In Lincoln, I’m reminded of the current effort to complete the Belmont neighborhood small area plan. This work wasn’t something the City came up with, but the numerous groups working together over time that identified a need for a long term planning process to improve the area. They worked to identify the need, started to identify funding, and eventually partnered with the City to see the work through, with their coalition at the heart of the process.

Much of the time, changes set off by intentional actions take time and can often come as a surprise when they finally materialize. An example of this in my own work are the P and Q Street bike lanes. The bike lane process started years ago with the Lincoln Bike Plan that identified the streets as ideal for the facilities. A few years later in an early development meeting about a housing project along the corridor the bike lanes were mentioned. Months later, when the work was started to identify projects for public benefits under tax increment financing, the planner reached out to discuss the bike lanes to be funded. As the project was finalized, the bike lanes were included and were just installed a few months ago thanks to the intentional action of the group that created the Lincoln Bike Plan.