What statement best describes the advantages of visioning in a comprehensive planning process?

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Visioning creates a shared picture of the desired future that guides all subsequent steps in the planning process. This shared vision serves as the compass for evaluating options, setting priorities, and shaping goals, policies, and actions. The strongest advantage is that it keeps the process on track: proposals and analyses are measured against the vision, preventing drift and ensuring that what gets considered actually supports the envisioned outcome. At the same time, it gives residents a clear basis to hold the process accountable, so they can see whether later decisions and actions are moving toward achieving the vision. While visioning also fosters engagement and can energize participation, the core benefit described here is maintaining focus and alignment throughout the process and ensuring the rest of the work aims at realizing the community’s vision.