Design review commission unanimously adopts Germantown Forward 2035 strategic plan

The Germantown Design Review Commission unanimously adopted the Germantown Forward 2035 strategic plan at its Feb. 24 meeting, approving the citizen‑led blueprint the city will use in project and design reviews.

Autumn Hicks, speaking as a city official during the presentation, described the document as “our guiding document on how we do business here in Germantown.” Hicks told the commission the plan ties city decisions to a set of key performance indicators such as unemployment rate, business growth and assessed property values.

The presentation emphasized four strategic areas the commission reviews most often: land use, transportation, economic development and measured indicators for commercial and residential value. Staff highlighted walkability projects for the Germantown Central Business District, full implementation of the city greenway plan and updates to the pedestrian and bicycle master plan as multi‑year priorities.

Commissioners asked for additional detail about a long‑range municipal‑center redevelopment listed in the plan with a 10–15 year horizon. Staff responded the idea is under discussion and will be considered as part of the comprehensive plan update; no immediate action on that redevelopment was proposed.

Chairman Bruns called for a motion to adopt the strategic plan; the roll call that followed recorded the commissioners present voting in favor. The commission adopted the plan and confirmed the body will use it in subsequent design reviews.

The plan is updated roughly every 10 years and staff said the commission will see associated comprehensive‑plan subprojects as they move forward. The commission took no additional action beyond the adoption vote at the meeting.