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71 <br /> Trail Segment Prioritization <br /> Prioritizing of • their considerations • r -r to create a <br /> alternates, where applicable) • Orange County transparent, repeatable prioritized • der. <br /> turn a long wish list into a realistic, buildable .••-r or -• <br /> phase for • - • Prioritization directs receive new information -.g., feasibility updates, <br /> time • resources to the segments that deliver new public r rawards), the same <br /> the most •, by • •. r •r can be to update the ranking so <br /> strengtheningMST links), • • to existing •- • and the public can see how <br /> communitydestinations, and advancing projects order evolves. Additional • r about <br /> that are most r - to design and fund. • process is avail. r - in Appendix <br /> data-driven ranking also builds trust as it allows <br /> communitythe • see howr • <br /> tti <br /> How Priorities Were Set <br /> The team combined professional research and analysis with community input to rank trail segments in a way <br /> that reflects what residents value and what can be delivered. Prioritization followed a four step process: <br /> 0JL ANALYST SCORING <br /> Each segment was scored against five criteria on a scale from 1-5. <br /> • Local Need: Improves access for residents with the fewest existing options <br /> • Cost Efficiency: Value relative to planning-level cost <br /> • Connectivity to Existing Places: Links to parks, trails, schools, libraries, transit, etc. <br /> • Alignment with Guiding Principles: Safety, access & equity, wellness, local character, longevity, <br /> travel options <br /> • Level of Community Support: Strength of support or concern observed during engagement <br /> 02 PUBLIC INPUT <br /> The community reacted to the draft order of priority (based on analyst scores) in two formats. <br /> • Dot Voting: Participants indicated whether each segment should move up (green dot), stay (blue <br /> dot), or move down (red dot) in the priority list. <br /> • Online Survey Ranking: Every respondent ranked all segments from highest to lowest priority. <br /> 03 COMPARISON <br /> Because the three inputs used different scales, scores were normalized to a common 0-100 scale <br /> then weighted by depth and completeness of the data so no single source dominated. <br /> • Online Survey Rankings: 50% (most complete dataset; everyone ranked every segment) <br /> • Dot Voting: 30% (strong qualitative signal from engaged participants) <br /> • Initial Analyst Score: 20%(keeps feasibility and principles in view without overpowering <br /> community input) <br /> 04 COMBINED PRIORITIZATION SCORE <br /> The weighted values were summed to create one Combined Prioritization Score per segment. That <br /> score was used to produce the final sequence for design and funding, detailed on page 69. <br /> 68 Draft Orange County Trails Plan <br />