Highland leaders consider mixed-use town center, targeted housing and business supports in general plan workshop

Highland City Council and the Planning Commission met in a joint workshop on June 10 to discuss updates to the city's general plan land-use and economic development policies, including where to allow mixed-use development, how to support moderate-income and senior housing, and measures to retain local businesses.

Consulting planner Rob (consultant) framed the workshop around a central theme he said emerged from prior public input: "connection" ' connection within neighborhoods, to public spaces, and to local businesses. He told the group that the plan update should emphasize a cohesive town center, improved walkability and targeted strategies for housing and economic development.

Why it matters: decisions in the general plan shape what can later be built, where developers will propose projects and which commercial corridors may attract tenants. Staff and the consultants cautioned that Highland's current market and nearby development influence what commercial uses are realistically supportable, while council members pressed for options that both protect the existing town-center identity and preserve future opportunities.

Most of the elected members signaled interest in concentrating higher-density or mixed-use development in…