Don't forget to take our surveys and weigh in on draft recommendations

Your input helped us craft initial recommendations that will serve as the foundation for the Near Southeast Area Plan. Now, it's time to tell us if we heard you right.

Four online surveys are available for community members to weigh in on draft recommendations on the four major topics that the plan will cover. Those who take the surveys can:

• review the draft recommendations
• share their level of support for the recommendations
• review development opportunities
• choose which of the opportunities make the most sense for the area

Each survey will take about 20 minutes. Take all four surveys or focus on the topics you are most interested in. 

Tomorr: Join us in-person to discuss draft recommendations

The Near Southeast Area planning team met with community members virtually and in-person last month to review the draft recommendations and collect feedback. If you missed it, no worries! Community office hours are happening again next week. 

Community Office Hours

10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, August 16

Virginia Village Branch Library, 1500 S Dahlia St.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Four Mile Historic Park on July 21 to learn more about the draft recommendations. If you missed the event (or even if you attended), be sure to take the surveys to share your thoughts on the building blocks of the Near Southeast Area Plan!

Catch up: Watch the virtual workshop replay

Here's what you told us back in the spring

The draft recommendations currently under review were crafted from what city planners have heard from community members throughout the planning process, starting with the kickoff phase in 2021. This past spring, public input focused on helping define issues and develop initial recommendations. These were the key themes that emerged from that community engagement:

• Growth should go to appropriate areas and be accompanied by better design, improved mobility, and more community amenities
• Housing options should be added in neighborhoods when they are appropriately scaled, served by infrastructure, and improve affordability
• Affordable housing options should be improved for families and those looking to buy, and services for those experiencing homelessness should prioritize providing housing and treatment
• Desired businesses, like restaurants, local shops, and entertainment options, should be supported through local business associations and other programs
• Mobility safety should be enhanced with improvements at key intersections and along major corridors
• Walking and biking networks should have improved connectivity and amenities
• Landscaping should be improved in parks, streets, and private property to be more sustainable and resilient and provide better habitat for wildlife and pollinators 
• Reduced water and energy use, reduced heating, and improved air quality should be achieved through a range of actions by individuals, businesses, developers, and the city

For a full recap of community engagement during phase 2 of the planning process, visit the Process and Timeline section of the project webpage.

About the Near Southeast Area Plan