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Downtown Monroe Master Plan
Overview
The City of Monroe is launching a comprehensive update to the Downtown Master Plan that will shape the future of Downtown and its adjacent sub-districts. This plan will guide development, investment, mobility, public spaces, housing, and the overall experience of Downtown Monroe for years to come.
The project is being led by Shook Kelley, a nationally recognized planning and placemaking firm selected by City Council for their deep expertise in downtown revitalization, public engagement, branding, and urban design.
Learn more about ways to get involved, like taking the Downtown Master Plan Introductory Survey or providing input on the Downtown Map.
Why This Matters
Downtown Monroe is rich in history, architecture, culture, and potential. As the community grows, this planning effort ensures Downtown remains a vibrant heart of Monroe and is walkable, welcoming, connected, and ready for future generations.
This plan will only be successful with broad community participation. Every voice matters.
What’s Happening Now
Project Kickoff
The Downtown Master Plan officially launched in Fall 2025 and will run through late Summer 2026.
Current Activities:
- Formation of Technical Team and Steering Committee
- Stakeholder outreach and interviews
- Initial visioning and existing conditions analysis
- Introduction of draft branding concepts for Downtown Master Plan (previewed at Steering Committee Meeting #1)
- Data collection of success and improvement points through interactive map
Project Updates
- December 2025: Technical Team formed and Steering Committee invitations sent
- December 8, 2025: Steering Committee Meeting #1
- January 12, 2026: Interactive Map went live on website
- January 2026: Community Survey #1 launches alongside website
- February 18, 2026: Public Open House Workshop #1
Downtown Master Plan Event Calendar
More events will be announced in the next few weeks. Subscribe to the Downtown Master Plan Event Calendar on our notification page.
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Wed, Feb 18
Public Input Workshop #1 Our first public engagement open house will give residents, business owners, and community members a...Public Input Workshop #1Read on...
Project Timeline
Phase 1: Preliminary Analysis + Vision (Fall 2025 – Early 2026)
- Data, market, and technical analysis
- Stakeholder interviews
- Steering Committee launch
- Community Survey #1
- Public Workshop #1
Phase 2: Alternative Futures + Framework Plan (Spring 2026)
- Scenario planning
- Concept framework development
- Community Survey #2
- Public Charrette
Phase 3: Master Plan + Implementation Strategy (Summer 2026)
- Draft and final Downtown Master Plan
- Implementation roadmap
- Adoption by Downtown Advisory Board and City Council
Upcoming Opportunities to Participate
Learn more about our upcoming engagement opportunities on our Get Involved in the Downtown Master Plan page.
Project Components
- Vision & Organizing Principles
- A shared vision based on community input, technical analysis, and Monroe’s unique character.
- Market & Housing Analysis
- Understanding the economic, retail, residential, and demographic forces shaping Downtown.
- Done in partnership with Gibbs Planning Group and The Integral Group.
- Mobility, Parking & Street Design
- Evaluating walkability, traffic, parking, multimodal options, greenways, and future mobility trends.
- Done in partnership with transportation partner Gannett Fleming.
- Concept Framework & Scenarios
- Multiple “possible futures” that show different ways Downtown could evolve, tested with the public.
- Master Plan & Implementation Roadmap
- A realistic, phased strategy including policies, capital improvements, catalyst projects, and potential funding tools.
Study Boundary
The Downtown Master Plan expands the 2008 planning area to include additional sub-districts, each with its own emerging identity and needs. View the Downtown Master Plan Project Study Area Map (PDF).