The Common Plan

Your city, planned by you.

Common Plan.

The Common Plan is a citizen-led planning framework that puts residents in control of their neighborhoods’ future.

A Specific Plan is a common planning tool — a detailed document that sets land use, zoning, infrastructure, and development guidelines for an area. Typically, these plans are created by city staff and developers, then approved by the city council.

A Common Plan works similarly — but it’s entirely citizen-led. Residents decide where and how their neighborhoods grow, shaping a clear, community-driven blueprint that includes Pink Zones, Landmarks, and a comprehensive Public Benefit package.

Why a ballot measure?

Rather than relying on slow-moving government approvals, a ballot measure puts control in the hands of residents.

Pink Zones

Pink Zones are areas with eased regulations and that allow for gentle density and vibrant local businesses — think corner markets, cafés, and small-scale housing.

Landmarks

Landmarks are bold, iconic projects that define neighborhoods and drive economic benefits, funding the broader Public Benefit Package.

Public Benefit

The Common Plan delivers real benefits for residents — affordable housing, parks, public art, senior services, and local nonprofit support — decided through direct resident input.

Guaranteed Citizen Dividend

A direct benefit to every resident.

For the first time, communities aren’t just watching deals happen around them — they’re cut into the deal itself.

By unlocking new development value, residents receive a direct cash payment — no strings attached. The Citizen Dividend is paid when a Common Plan is fully approved and ensures that no project moves forward until the community shares in the benefits.

You’re already invested in your neighborhood. Now, you see the returns.

A new kind of plan.


Cities usually rely on Specific Plans written by developers and city officials. A Common Plan takes that same framework and makes it entirely citizen-led — putting residents in control of growth and benefits.


How it compares:

  • Specific Plan: Typically led by city councils, staff, or developers.

    Common Plan: Entirely citizen-led, from conception to approval.

  • Specific Plan: Approved by city councils (sometimes by referendum).

    Common Plan: Approved directly by residents at the ballot box.

  • Specific Plan: Public benefits (parks, art, etc.) are negotiated and can be changed later.

    Common Plan: All public benefits are guaranteed in the initiative text & can’t be removed.

  • Specific Plan: No direct financial benefit to residents.

    Common Plan: A built-in Citizen Dividend ensures residents receive a direct cash payment before any project moves forward.

Join us.

Sign up for updates, attend a town hall, or bring your project idea to the table.

Change starts here.