1.4 Major Themes

Building Heritage

The concept of “building heritage” values the importance of our historical legacy and natural environment. Heritage planning helps identify and explain the major factors and processes that influenced the city’s evolution. This enables Surprise to articulate its heritage values and identify its heritage resources based on these values. By conserving heritage, Surprise can foster a strong local identity based upon a sound understanding of the area’s unique history. Studies have shown that a municipality’s cultural life can be enhanced by conserving its historic places, while working in tandem with the promotion of cultural and artistic activity.

Emphasis placed on respecting our past, such as our agricultural heritage, is only one part of the concept. Perhaps, more important is making decisions with the insight that what we do today builds the heritage of the future. Our evaluation of problems and issues should take into account the idea of building heritage before the final decision is pronounced. 

Neighborhood Matters

People live in neighborhoods. These are places that matter the most and are the greatest indicators of a healthy community. Those that live in the neighborhoods are the experts. It only makes sense that residents should have a greater control over local programs and services. Plans need to incorporate the perspectives and approaches of community. Surprise General Plan 2030 recognizes the importance of neighborhoods and introduces the village concept to start working with the community on planning their futures.

Global Village

The idea of a “global village” is based on increased importance of globalization in our daily lives. Globalization is a process of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and governments of different nations. This process is driven by international trade and investment and aided by information technology. It has effects on the environment, on culture, on political systems, on economic development and prosperity, and on human physical well-being in societies around the world. Surprise is not immune to the effects of globalization. 

Although it is not known how the effects of globalization will affect Surprise. It is known that Surprise has the opportunity to play a unique role. The abundance of land combined with abundant sunshine affords Surprise an opportunity to be a world player in the future energy market.

Globalization also affects the resources that are used to build the city. In past decades there were an abundance of materials at reasonable prices. Increased city-building in other areas of the world have tightened the supply of goods in the United States. Practices are now being developed to make things more efficient and with recycled materials.

A small, but practical example of the importance of connections beyond the city limits can be of importance to transportation planning. Much of the city’s transportation planning is done in cooperation with county, state, and federal agencies. Our roads are part of a complex network. The connections, both local and regional are vital to the growth of the City of Surprise.

One City, Many Choices

The end result of building heritage, neighborhood matters, and the global village concept is the creation of a city that allows for many choices. The sterile suburban edge city characterization that predominated the last century of residential development is no longer desired or practical. Globalization requires that everyone share in the global resources. Concepts of sustainability help people re-evaluate the way we are using our resources. By adopting the concepts embodied in the ideas of building heritage and neighborhood matters, Surprise will have the tools to remain a community where people choose to live, work, and play. 

Figure 1.0B

Throughout the plan document, the content language refines the themes of the Building Heritage, Neighborhood Matters, and Global Village. Each of the plan goals is also related to one or more major themes. Beside every goal there is an icon that reminds the reader which theme is supported by the goal. 

Goals related to Building Heritage will have this type of icon next to the goal.

Goals related to Neighborhood Matters will have this type of icon next to the goal.

Goals related to Global Village will have this type of icon next to the goal.