The so-called City of Villages plan was scheduled to be the subject of a public hearing before the city Planning Commission on Thursday, but has been postponed to give more time for preparation, city officials say. Once the meeting is held, the commission will make a recommendation to the City Council.

The strategy is part of a proposed amendment to the city's 1979 general plan. The strategy employs smart growth concepts to enhance neighborhoods while retaining their character and design. Areas with an already high level of development activity will be targeted.

The planning department has already conducted a series of meetings, workshops and presentations involving the City Council, Planning Commission, local community planning groups, city departments and a 40-member citizen committee. City planning department officials say they are ready to bring to plan to the City Council in hopes to getting the plan adopted by this fall.