Planning is the process by which a community assesses what it is and what it wants to become, and then decides how it can make that happen. Area plans are designed to realize the community's vision for the future and provide elected officials with a proactive framework from which to make decisions about the housing, community, and economic growth of the area. Area plans provide a single, comprehensive plan for an area that provides policies to guide public decisions on land use, infrastructure, public services and zoning. The Little Blue Valley Area Plan will: Recommend guidelines and strategies related to development, housing, neighborhoods, economic development, transportation, capital improvements, open spaces and urban design. Serve as the "plan of record" for the area and will be fully integrated with other adopted plans resulting in a single, coordinated policy for the area. Build on the foundation of previous planning efforts in the area (Knobtown Development Plan, 1991 Little Blue Valley Area Plan, FOCUS Plan, Major Street Plan). The planning boundaries are: North - Independence city limit South - Lee’s Summit city limit / I-470 East - Lee’s Summit city limit West - Raytown city limit / Raytown Road