Consultants outline 18–24 month comprehensive growth and street master plan process for Jonesboro

Consultants leading Jonesboro’s proposed comprehensive growth plan and master street plan told the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission that the work would combine land-use, fiscal analysis and street-design updates and take about 18 to 24 months to complete.

The presentation by Matt Lambert of DPZ CoDesign, Dave Roberts of Craft and Toll and Brad Peterson (civil engineer) outlined a three‑phase process: diagnostics and analysis, public engagement and design “charrette” (an intensive workshop), and drafting and refinement leading to an implementation plan. "This is a, you know, 20, 25 year plan," Lambert said, describing the planning horizon.

The consultants said the project will pair DPZ’s place‑making work with Urban3’s fiscal analysis to evaluate how different growth scenarios affect municipal revenues and infrastructure costs. Roberts described the role of Craft and Toll in transportation and engagement; Peterson noted the master street plan update will align street design (lanes, sidewalks, bike facilities, planting strips) with desired land uses.

Why it matters: commissioners were told the plan will knit together existing plans, provide a long‑range roadmap for public investments and identify code updates and implementation responsibilities so departments can budget for near‑, mid‑ and long‑term projects.

Details: the team said phase one will gather diagnostics, stakeholder interviews and public survey data; phase two centers on an on‑site design week/charrette and public testing of concepts; phase three will produce a detailed comprehensive plan document with implementation steps and department responsibilities. The consultants said engagement methods will include online surveys, neighborhood events, stakeholder meetings and a weeklong in‑town design workshop where residents can drop in and review work as it progresses.

Commissioner questions focused on timing, public outreach and legal/regulatory limits. Lambert reiterated the expected 18–24 month schedule and said the first public draft could be ready “around this time next year” for commission review. Commissioners asked how the consultants will drive public turnout; Roberts described a mix of social media, pop‑up community events with stations, and in‑person workshops timed for convenience.

Code and implementation: staff and presenters said the consultants will analyze Jonesboro’s existing development codes and recommend specific code changes where necessary. Lambert said code updates would typically follow planning work if the current zoning and development regulations would block the plan’s preferred outcomes. He cautioned that some implementation tools, such as land acquisition or condemnation, are legally constrained and would be evaluated with legal staff if needed.

Outcome: Commissioners voted to recommend forwarding the presentation and the consultant engagement to the full City Council for approval to proceed.

Looking ahead: the consultants said they will refine a project schedule once holidays and school calendars are considered and will coordinate a steering committee and technical advisory group to shape engagement formats and scope.