What are the four components of the planning process?

The planning process in municipal arboriculture typically involves assessing the current situation and resources available before setting goals and developing strategies. One component of this process is the evaluation of what resources, assets, and conditions already exist—this could include the current urban forest, existing tree management practices, and community needs. This assessment is crucial for establishing a realistic foundation for any planning. Understanding what is currently available helps to inform the subsequent steps in the planning process and allows for more effective goal-setting and the allocation of resources.

In contrast to this focus on assessing current resources, the other components of the planning process emphasize a forward-looking approach—defining goals, outlining steps to achieve those goals, and integrating feedback into the planning cycle for future improvements. Each plays a critical role in a comprehensive strategic plan but doesn’t directly address the foundational understanding of existing conditions that the evaluation of current resources provides.