Public Spaces Master Plan Implementation Advisory Committee Charter

Purpose: The Public Spaces Master Plan Implementation Advisory Committee (PSMP-IAC) is established by the County Manager to provide guidance on the implementation of the 2019 County Board Adopted Public Spaces Master Plan (PSMP), one of 11 elements of the County’s Comprehensive Plan.  

Overall Charge: The responsibilities of the PSMP-IAC shall include, but are not limited to the following tasks:

• Advise the County Manager on the implementation of the PSMP;
• Ensure a balanced approach to prioritizing the implementation of the PSMP recommendations;
• Provide feedback on the various community engagement processes needed to best implement specific PSMP recommendations;
• Provide a forum for residents and stakeholders to provide feedback on the implementation of the PSMP;
• Act as liaisons to and from their respective Commissions and the community;
• Attend the PSMP-IAC meetings and participate in public engagement activities.

Priority Scope: The County Manager or his designee will work with the PSMP-IAC to consider the steps necessary for implementation of priorities as outlined by the County Board at the time of the PSMP adoption on April 25, 2019. The County Manager will report back his findings to the County Board on the following:

• Update of the Natural Resources Management and Urban Forest Master Plans (Priority Action 10, Action 3.1., page 96). The PSMP-IAC will partner with the Natural Resources Joint Advisory Group (NRJAG) on the implementation of the combined process to update the Natural Resources Management and Urban Forest Master Plans.
• Improve how data regarding field use is collected and develop consensus assumptions to better analyze capacity and utilization (Priority Action 4, Action Step 1.2.5., page 60).
• Support the process to consider updating the County’s zoning regulations as they relate to parks and public spaces (Action Step 1.5.10., page 68).
• Review options and identify a preferred formal process for adding lights to athletic fields (Action Step 1.5.5., page 67).
• Refinement and implementation of the Casual Use Space concept (Action Steps 1.3.1, 1.3.2 page 61).

Long Term Scope: The County Manager or his designee will work with the PSMP-IAC to track the implementation of the 214 recommendations and policies and work together on prioritizing the Action Plan.

Membership: The Advisory Committee shall consist of one representative from each of the following:

• Park and Recreation Commission (2 members), Chair*
• Arlington Public Schools
• Bicycle Advisory Committee
• Economic Development Commission
• Environment and Energy Conservation Commission (E2C2)
• Fiscal Affairs Advisory Commission
• Pedestrian Advisory Committee
• Planning Commission
• Sports Commission
• Urban Forestry Commission

The County Manager retains the right to substitute existing members, add additional members or appoint subcommittees as needed to ensure the comprehensive and efficient implementation of the PSMP.

*The Park and Recreation Commission representative will chair the PSMP-IAC.

Meetings: The PSMP-IAC will meet as needed to adequately fulfill its role and responsibilities outlined in this charter.

Staffing: An employee from the Department of Parks and Recreation will be assigned the task of staff coordinator and committee liaison. Other County staff will be called upon for support as needed.

Reporting: The County Manager or his designee will work with the PSMP-IAC to provide an annual update for the County Board on the progress toward implementation of the PSMP.

Update of this Charter: Periodically, as needed, the PSMP-IAC shall review this charter to assure that it meets current needs. Any requests for changes must be approved by the County Manager.