A capital improvement plan is a long-term spending plan that focuses on high-cost, nonroutine purchases. The plan typically identifies immediate and existing capital projects, and assesses future capital needs over several fiscal years. A needs assessment is critical in the creation of a capital improvement plan. Showing high- and low-priority capital needs pinpoints the most pressing expenditures. Additionally, identifying positive benefits in previous capital projects allows for justification for new capital projects.

To prepare for this assignment:

Review Chapter 4 in your course text, The Basics of Public Budgeting and Financial Management, and consider questions you might ask when justifying expenses related to a capital improvement plan.
Review the case scenario provided in the Learning Resources and think about the capital improvements needed for the police department profiled in the case.
Consider the expenditures in the plan and whether or not they are justified and beneficial.
Focus on matters such as legal mandates, hazards, legislative or executive goals, efficiency, standards of service, economic development, new services, quality-of-life issues, and convenience issues.
Consider at least one way to fund the capital improvement plan without using general funds.