Observations

Breakdown of sustainability section above within the Emeryville General Plan.

Observations on results and process of the Emeryville General Plan and APA scoring matrix.

Issues with Ranking

We found the scoring standards of the APA scoring matrix to be quite ambiguous, leading to difficulties in ranking the general plan consistently among the group. The vagueness of ranking scale, use of jargon, and standardized scope of subjects to rate all hindered the evaluation process.

Scale: undefined ranking scale, no distinction between the standard for a 3 vs 2, or 2 vs 1
Language: criteria cluttered with use of jargon, unfamiliarity with terms if not in the profession
Scope: standardized sections to rate rather than an evaluation based around particular city and context
Categories: sections as a set checklist, currently no option to go above and beyond or get extra points for context-based solutions
Clarity: unsure of whether to rate future plans or only what has already been implemented

Overview

Emeryville’s General Plan itself is quite well organized, with links to each section of the plan on the city’s website, making for easy navigation. Sustainability is integrated throughout the entire plan, yet there is a section devoted solely to sustainability as well to make this section more easily accessible.

Difficulties

Our group found some of the wording hard to follow in the plan, which made it complicated to follow particular sections. The scoring matrix does not necessarily align with the plan, which made certain sections harder to find. A good way to overcome this challenge however was discussing group scores and reasoning afterwards. Additionally, we had difficulties in scoring the interwoven equity and authentic participation portions of the APA scoring matrix due to a lack of equity information within the sustainability portion, which should ideally include a balance of the three Es.

Finding Sustainability Elements in Emeryville Plan

Recommendations for Future Improvement

Emeryville General Plan

The three Es Under the sustainability section of the plan, focusing not only on the environmental aspect, but also including more substantial sections on economy and equity.

APA Scoring Matrix

Scale change: the current -1-3 scale is confusing, a 0-4 scale may be more appropriate
Define scale: define with benchmarks or examples of what constitutes each ranking
Accessible language: reduce planning and sustainability jargon, and define terms used which may not be known to the everyday resident
Personalization: allow for extra points for context based and exceptional solutions which can be tailored for the site and size specifications of the city being evaluated
(similar to what LEED scoring currently allows for)