MEETING SUMMARY

Kick-Off Meeting
Crete Comprehensive Plan Kick-Off
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Agenda

• Introductions
• Ice Breaker
• Project Scope + Schedule
• Comprehensive Planning Overview
• Existing Comprehensive Plan Review
• Community Snapshot
• Visioning Exercises
• What’s Next

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Team Introduction

Christopher Caitlin Jeff

Shires Bolte Ray

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Ice Breaker
Ice Breaker

What is your name?

What is your role in the community?
What is your favorite place in Crete?

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Project
Scope+
Schedule
Project Scope + Schedule

Phase 2 Phase 4
Vision, Input + Final Draft Plan +
Direction Adoption

Phase 1 Phase 3 Phase 5

Project Kick-Off, Draft Plan & Zoning Code
Research & Analysis Evaluation Updates

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Project Scope + Schedule

Phase 1 – Project Kick-Off, Research + Analysis

• Kick-Off Presentation to with Steering Committee
(August 3, 2022)
• Public Outreach Plan + Project Name and Logo
• Existing Conditions Review and Analysis
• City Council Strategic Planning Work Session
• Existing Conditions Analysis Review Meeting with Steering
Committee (TBD)

Phase 2 Phase 4

Phase 1 Phase 3 Phase 5

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Project Scope + Schedule

Phase 2 – Vision, Input + Direction

• Online Engagement

• Stakeholder Interviews

• Public Visioning Workshop

• Special Event Booths / Youth Workshop / Box City (2 events)

• Stakeholder + Public Input Review with Steering Committee

• Joint Workshop with City Council and Planning Commission

Phase 2 Phase 4

Phase 1 Phase 3 Phase 5

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Project Scope + Schedule

Project Logo / Branding

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Project Scope + Schedule

Interactive Engagement Website

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Project Scope + Schedule

Special Event Booth / Box City / Youth Workshop

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Project Scope + Schedule

Phase 3 – Draft Plan + Evaluation

• Draft Plan
• Draft Plan Review Sessions with Steering Committee (2 meetings)
• Stakeholder Follow-up Interviews
• Draft Plan Public Open House
• Draft Plan Presentation Joint Workshop with City Council and
Planning Commission

Phase 2 Phase 4

Phase 1 Phase 3 Phase 5

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Project Scope + Schedule

Phase 4 – Final Plan + Adoption

• Final Draft Plan

• Final Draft Plan Review with Steering Committee

• Planning Commission Public Hearing

• City Council Public Hearing

Phase 2 Phase 4

Phase 1 Phase 3 Phase 5

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Project Scope + Schedule

Phase 5 – Zoning Code Updates

• Draft Code Updates

• Draft Code Review Meetings

• Draft Code Review Joint Workshop with City Council and

Planning Commission

• Planning Commission Public Hearing

• City Council Public Hearing

Phase 2 Phase 4

Phase 1 Phase 3 Phase 5

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Project Scope + Schedule

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
 Be an advocate for the plan
Steering Committee
Roles + Responsibilities Represent Crete and the community’s
input

Provide feedback to the consultant team

on opportunities, challenges, and goals

Review draft materials and presentations

and provide feedback

Engage in the discussion of ideas and

visions for Crete’s future

Attend 7 committee meetings over the

next 12-months

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Comprehensive
Planning
Overview
Comprehensive Plan Defined

“ The comprehensive plan, also known as a general plan, master plan

or land use plan; is a document designed to guide the future
actions of a community. It presents a vision for the future; with
long-range goals and objectives for all activities that affects the local
government.
”
- Gary D. Taylor, Iowa State University

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Comprehensive Plan Intent

1 Focus Future Development & Public Investment

2 Encourage Strong Economic Base

3 Serve as Information Management Tool

4 Analyze Existing Conditions

5 Evolve as Community Changes

6 Establish Goals

7 Guide and Recommend

8 Encourage Community Engagement

9 Identify and Build upon Community Character

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Comprehensive Plan Components

What is typically included in a Comprehensive Plan?

• Mapping (existing conditions, future land use plan, small area plans)
• Inventory of existing conditions
o Natural resources / open space / conservation
o Historical / cultural identification and protection
o Housing
o Economic development
o Transportation and mobility
o Services and facilities
• Goals, policies and action items

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Relationship to Zoning
Secure safety
from fire,
plan, other
dangers

Avoid
concentration Lessen
of population Congestion

Preserve
Adequate
provision of Zoning features of
historical
public services Intent significance

Promote
Prevent health and
overcrowding general
of land welfare

Provide for Lessen

adequate Congestion
light and air

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Relationship to Zoning

What is the role of the Future Land Use

Map?
• Guides decision making related to
rezonings and development proposals as
they are brought to the Planning
Commission and City Council
• Designed to create ideal land use schemes
for the future of the city
• May require modifications over time to
adapt to the ever-changing economic
environment

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Relationship to Zoning

What is the role of the Zoning Map?

• Adopted as part of the City’s Zoning Code
• Applies specific zoning designations and
regulations within the City and its 2-mile
zoning jurisdiction

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Comprehensive Plan Implementation

Implementation Measures Fall Into Three Broad Categories:

1 Development regulations that control the location, form and character of private projects

2 Capital projects which are financed, designed, built and maintained by governments

3 Programs that in some cases involve active government participation and in other cases simply
mean endorsement or coordination of voluntary private efforts

Effective implementation is the difference between having a good plan on paper

and having a great community on the ground.

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Existing Comp Plan
Review
Comprehensive Plan

Crete Comprehensive Plan

• Last updated in 2014

• Presents a 10-year plan for the future of Crete

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Comprehensive Plan

Existing Goals from the 2014 Comprehensive Plan // COMMUNITY GROWTH, LAND USE + ZONING
Population Growth Activities
1 Population increase needs to be correlated with land availability and suitability for all types of developments

Land Use Plan

2 Adopt and retain a Land Use Plan capable of fulfilling the residential, employment, recreational and entertainment
needs of the Community of Crete.

Ordinance + Regulations
3 Maintain proper land use development ordinances and regulations in Crete. Utilize the City Zoning and Subdivision
Regulations to implement the development provisions in the Land Use Plan.

Appearance + Sustainability
4 Continue to implement Community improvement projects that enhance the quality of life and aesthetic
appearance of the City of Crete.

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Comprehensive Plan

Existing Goals from the 2014 Comprehensive Plan // HOUSING + NEIGHBORHOOD REDEVELOPMENT
Community Housing Initiative
1 The City of Crete should implement a Housing Initiative as a primary economic development activity.

New Housing Developments

2 New housing developments in the City of Crete should address the needs of both owner- and renter households, of
all age and income sectors, of varied price products.

Existing Owner + Rental Housing Stock

3 Housing rehabilitation programs and activities in the City of Crete should strive to protect and preserve the existing
housing stock of the Community.

Finance Housing Development

4 The City of Crete and housing developers should consider both public and private funding sources to both
construct new housing and maintain the existing housing stock.

Impediments to Fair Housing Choice

5 As a Community, Crete will need to identify, discuss and establish a plan to eliminate all barriers and impediments
to fair housing choice in the City.

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Comprehensive Plan

Existing Goals from the 2014 Comprehensive Plan // EDUCATION + COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT
Educational Quality
1 Continue to provide a high quality of public and private elementary, junior, senior and college-level education for
the residents of Crete.
Economic/Community Development
2 Utilize the Crete Comprehensive Plan as an economic and Community development resource and guide to
maximize economic opportunities for all residents.

Community Development
3 Community Development practices should strive to both stabilize and improve the local Crete economy and quality
of life.

Community Redevelopment Planning + Implementation

4 Focus on improving structures, utility mains and public facilities throughout Crete.

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Comprehensive Plan

Existing Goals from the 2014 Comprehensive Plan // PUBLIC FACILITIES, UTILITIES, ENERGY +
TRANSPORTATION
Public Facilities + Utilities
1 Maintain and improve the existing public facilities and utilities in Crete.

Energy
2 Access available programs and funding sources to reduce energy consumptions and promote the use of alternative
energy systems in Crete.

Transportation
3 Provide an efficient transportation system throughout Crete for the safe and efficient movement of people, goods
and services.

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Comprehensive Plan

Have any of these goals been accomplished?

What has changed since the last comprehensive plan?

Do all these goals still apply?

Are there any missing major goals?

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Community
Snapshot
Community Snapshot

Base Map

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
 Community Snapshot
Race
70.0%

Population
60.0% 57.7%
• 2020 estimated population: 7,099
50.0%

Race/Ethnicity 40.0%
33.4%
• Majority of the population is white
30.0%
alone; however, there is a high
presence residents that identify as
20.0%
“some other race”
• Background: The Census does not 10.0%

include Hispanic as a race option 3.9% 2.9%

1.5% 0.7%
because people of Hispanic origin 0.0%
        White alone         Some Other         Asian alone         American         Black or         Native
may be of any race(s). Instead, Race alone Indian and African Hawaiian and
they ask specific question on the Alaska Native
alone
American alone Other Pacific
Islander alone
Hispanic, Spanish, or Latino
population. 3,475 residents (49%) self-identified as Hispanic or
Latino on the 2020 Census
Source: ACS 2020 5-Year Estimates

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
 Age Pyramid
Community Snapshot Crete, NE (2020)

        85 years and over

Age Breakdown         80 to 84 years

        75 to 79 years

        70 to 74 years
• Age pyramid suggests a strong         65 to 69 years
college-aged population from ages 15-
        60 to 64 years
24 years old and a moderate family
        55 to 59 years
presence in ages 0-18 and 35-44
        50 to 54 years
• Median Age: 29.8 years         45 to 49 years

        40 to 44 years

        35 to 39 years

        30 to 34 years

        25 to 29 years

        20 to 24 years

        15 to 19 years
Females         10 to 14 years

Males         5 to 9 years

        Under 5 years

-15.0% -10.0% -5.0% 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0%

Source: ACS 2020 5-Year Estimates

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
 Community Snapshot

Housing Tenure
Renter-Occupied // 38.8%
• Majority owner-occupied units
• Higher presence of rental units
compared to national and state averages
• United States:
• Owner-Occupied: 64.0%

• Renter-Occupied: 36.0%

• Nebraska:
• Owner-Occupied: 66.1%

• Renter-Occupied: 33.9%

Owner-Occupied // 61.2%

Source: ACS 2020 5-Year Estimates

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
 Community Snapshot

Owner-Occupied Home Values

Owner-Occupied Home Values

• Average owner-occupied home value: Crete, NE (2020)
$135,528 $500,000 or more 0.1%

• Well over half of owner-occupied $400,000-$499,999 2.9%

homes are valued between $50,000 -
$199,999 $300,000-$399,999 5.7%

• The majority of homes falling in $250,000-$299,999 1.0%

the $50,000-$99,999 value range
$200,000-$249,999 8.7%

$150,000-$199,999 15.5%

        $100,000 to $149,999 19.2%

        $50,000 to $99,999 32.8%

        Less than $50,000 14.1%

0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0%

Source: Esri, 2022

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
 Community Snapshot

Gross Rent Gross Rent / Crete, NE (2020)

• Over half of the Crete rental $3,000 or more 0.0%

population (~523 units) pay
between $500 - $999 $2,500-$2,999 0.0%

• Few renters (~138) pay more

than $1,000-$1,499 per $2,000-$2,499 0.0%

month
$1,500-$1,999 0.0%

• Higher than typical

presence of rental units $1,000-$1,499 16.7%
under $500 (~165 units)
$500-$999 63.3%
• Median rent: $718

Less than $500 20.0%

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0%

Source: ACS 2020 5-Year Estimates

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
 Total Employment by Industry / Crete, NE (2019)
Community Snapshot
Manufacturing

Employment Totals (2019) Educational Services

Health Care and Social Assistance

Retail Trade
• Largest industry located in Crete Accommodation and Food Services
is clearly Manufacturing, which
Transportation and Warehousing
accounts for over 36% of total jobs
Administration & Support, Waste Management and…
in the community
Public Administration

• Other industries in town with a Construction

larger presence include Finance and Insurance

Educational Services, Health Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Care + Social Assistance, and Wholesale Trade Jobs located in Crete, NE
Retail Trade Other Services (excluding Public Administration)
Jobs held by Crete, NE
• Largest industries for Crete Information
residents
residents are Educational Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting

Services and Health Care and Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

Social Assistance Utilities

Management of Companies and Enterprises

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing

Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Economic 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
Studies, LEHD 2019

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
 Community Snapshot MEETING SUMMARY
In/Out Commute / Crete, NE (2019)
Commuting Trends (2019)
• Higher presence of out-
commuters in Crete
• Low number of residents that
both work and live in Crete city
limits
• Hot-spots for commuting include
Dorchester, Milford, and in the
Out-
general areas of the school and In-Commuters Live + Work in
Smithfield Plant Crete, NE Commuters
1,932
811 2,401
In-Commuters (live elsewhere, work in Crete)

Live + Work in Crete This number likely includes

Smithville Plant as it is
Out-Commuters (live in Crete, work elsewhere) outside of City Limits during
2019 data collection
(currently 1700 employees
at plant and 125 employees
in distribution center
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies, LEHD

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
What stood out
to you?
Visioning
Exercises
Visioning Exercises MEETING SUMMARY

What do you think is Crete’s

biggest advantage?
• Small town living with the right • Doane University
proximity to Lincoln
• Social cohesion (granular) and
• Resident diversity collaboration – ability to accomplish
things together
• Great schools – boomerang effect (kids
come back to raise a family) • Well known companies (other
communities don’t have)
• On the right side of Lincoln and right
distance from I-80 to keep living
affordable
• Housing affordability
• Access to airport – 4 hours to anywhere

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Visioning Exercises MEETING SUMMARY

What will be the most challenging

aspect of updating this plan?
• Adequate input from a diverse • Broadband internet service
community – ensure all voices are
reached and heard
• Breaking the status quo and creating a
competitive edge
• Breaking down silos between different
community organizations / leaders

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Visioning Exercises MEETING SUMMARY

What are some HOUSING issues

and opportunities in Crete?
• First and foremost, not enough housing • Centralized resource to shop/search for
quantity housing, eliminating barriers for new-to-
the-community buyers
• Higher end rentals including HOA
managed properties • Floodplain – houses previously within
the floodplain have now been removed
• Elderly moving to Lincoln to rent –
from floodplain boundaries
unable to find the suitable housing in
Crete (desire to downsize, sell house, and • Deferred maintenance on rentals – too
rent) low of vacancy rates does not leave time
nor incentives to perform maintenance
• Educating first time home buyers – right
sizing expectations a of “first home”
purchase

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Visioning Exercises MEETING SUMMARY

What are some ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

issues and opportunities in Crete?
• Difficult to recruit businesses as there is • Smaller business competing with larger
a lack of housing business for employees and are unable
to complete with larger businesses
• Recruit businesses from surrounding
ability to pay more
communities to Crete and market as
satellite locations • Innovation Park at Doane University
(currently under fundraising)
• More childcare centers and/or need
more childcare employees. Some
daycares have the capacity, but not
enough help

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
Visioning Exercises MEETING SUMMARY

Who should we interview as STAKEHOLDERS

for the comprehensive plan?
• Steering committee members • Bankers
• High school and university student • Realtors
groups/leaders
• Business owners
• Employees, business managers,
• Community leaders
university and school faculty living
outside of Crete • Developers
• The City’s Welcoming Committee
• Economic development and business
groups/Chamber of Commerce

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
What’s Next?
What’s Next

Next Steps…
• City Council Strategic Planning Work Session
• Research + Staff Workshop(Aug 24th)
• Mayor and City Council Workshop (Sept 28th)

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan
What’s Next MEETING SUMMARY
• Committee preference is to be in person
Next Steps… – City can host a larger group at the
library to meet together and dial in to a
• Steering Committee Meeting #2 - Virtual meeting via Zoom virtual meeting if needed.
• Avoid Tuesday, 2nd and 4th
Noon hour or evening? 5:30 to 7pm
Wednesdays of the month, Mondays
Day of the week? Wednesday and Fridays.

Paola
Crete Comprehensive Plan