1. Well-informed community engagement as a fundamental and indispensable part of the planning process, often contributing to leading edge breakthroughs
2. Democratic principles (such as transparency, fairness, and a right to be heard) at all stages of the process
3. Start with a clear, current snapshot of the area and its sense of identity or self:
a. from the perspective of residents, then other stakeholders; and
b. from a professional planning and development team
4. Increased potential for economic viability through buffered developer input during, not after, the planning process
5. High importance of creating and leading the best possible professional team