In a recent government meeting, city officials discussed the upcoming updates to the downtown sub-area plan, a critical component of the comprehensive planning process that has been underway for several years. City Manager Jason Greenspan outlined the timeline for the housing action plan update, which is expected to be presented to the council in June. He emphasized the importance of community engagement in shaping the plan, which aims to address various aspects of urban development, including housing, mobility, and environmental stewardship.

Greenspan introduced the community development director, who provided insights into the significance of the downtown plan, first adopted in 2009. The plan serves as the foundation for development regulations and aims to enhance the downtown area as a vibrant community hub. Key topics discussed included urban form, land use density, and the integration of multimodal transportation options to ensure safe movement throughout the city.

Senior planner Eric Jazewski highlighted the need for the plan's update to reflect changes over the past 15 years, including population growth and new developments. He noted that the downtown area has seen an increase of over 3,000 residents and significant retail sales growth. The updated plan will also incorporate principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard throughout the planning process.

The meeting concluded with a call for feedback from council members on the project phases and community engagement strategies. Officials expressed their commitment to keeping the public informed and involved as the planning process unfolds, with the goal of creating a downtown that meets the needs of all residents and businesses. The next steps will include drafting a community engagement strategy and refining the scope of work for the downtown plan update.