Assistant City Manager Spencer presented an update on implementing the West Midtown plan Tuesday and said the next phase will be drafting plan‑based development regulations and an implementation strategy with the consultant who authored the plan.

The nut graf: Staff recommended contracting with DRW Planning Studio—the consultant that prepared the West Midtown plan—to lead a project kickoff, stakeholder outreach, drafting of unified plan‑development regulations, and a stakeholder review process intended to carry the adopted plan into enforceable development regulations.

Spencer reminded council the West Midtown plan followed the city’s 2022 comprehensive plan and was adopted in March 2023. The plan’s elements include open space preservation and connections to the signature park, mobility and streetscape standards, a mixed‑use development framework, and placemaking elements. In implementation, staff will focus on pedestrian and trail connectivity, context‑sensitive transitions in scale near the library and government center, and potential shared parking solutions.

The proposed scope includes a project kickoff this month, stakeholder engagement in January and February, and drafting and stakeholder review of zoning regulations through the spring. Spencer said DRW’s prior engagement with property owners and stakeholders is an advantage because the consultant is already familiar with the adopted plan and local expectations. She noted the consultant lead, David Whitley, could not attend the meeting due to a family emergency.

Council members asked for timing and were told staff intends to execute the contract this month and will keep council updated. Spencer said planning staff will shepherd the zoning draft through the planning and zoning commission and back to council for adoption.

Ending: Staff intends to execute a contract with DRW this month, begin stakeholder outreach immediately thereafter, and return with draft regulations and recommendations in the spring for commission and council review.