Council hears Downtown Master Plan update; first public workshops set for Nov. 13

City planning staff presented an update to the Downtown Master Plan (DMP), a multi-part effort to increase housing density and revitalize Lincoln's downtown through code changes, infrastructure planning and public engagement.

"The purpose of the DMP is that at its core it is meant to bring more residential development to Downtown Lincoln," Christian Svens, community and economic development director, told the council. He described a 20-month schedule of deliverables that builds on a downtown code audit completed in November 2023, including three stakeholder meetings, three community workshops and two staff working sessions, with the first public workshops starting Nov. 13, 2024.

Staff said the plan will address zoning constraints identified in the audit, expedite infill approvals, and explore an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) to identify and fund infrastructure priorities downtown. The plan will also examine pedestrian connections, truck traffic, parking constraints and legacy highway-oriented auto uses on ground-floor storefronts.

Councilmembers encouraged staff to address truck routing and parking on Lincoln Boulevard, discussed possible weight limits and alternative routed truck corridors, and urged attention to design cohesion for a high-profile gateway site. Staff noted some measures (e.g., routing and signage) require coordination with private railroad and freight stakeholders and could require condemnation in some alternatives.

Next steps: staff will hold the public workshops beginning Nov. 13 and engage stakeholders including the Downtown Lincoln Association, Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Committee. Planning Commission and Council review of draft materials will occur as staff and consultant Opticos complete technical work.