{"id":4789,"date":"2023-04-25T22:21:48","date_gmt":"2023-04-25T22:21:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loopchicagodev.wpenginepowered.com\/central-area-plan-involves-community-in-envisioning-downtown\/"},"modified":"2026-05-26T19:41:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T19:41:39","slug":"central-area-plan-involves-community-in-envisioning-downtown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loopchicago.com\/es\/chicago-loop-blog\/central-area-plan-involves-community-in-envisioning-downtown\/","title":{"rendered":"Central Area Plan involves community in envisioning downtown"},"content":{"rendered":"

2 MIN READ — A two-year planning process to update the City\u2019s 2003 \u201cCentral Area Plan\u201d with contemporary, community-driven objectives will create a more equitable and resilient downtown on behalf of all Chicagoans, Department of Planning and Development (DPD) Commissioner Maurice Cox recently announced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Formally started this week following small, stakeholder engagement sessions and data gathering that began last fall, the two-phase update will produce a framework for downtown improvements for the next 20 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public engagement activities for the 2024 \u201cCentral Area Plan Update\u201d will kick off with a virtual community meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 27. Registration and more information is available at Chicago.gov\/CAP2024<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTwo decades have passed since the Central Area Plan was adopted and, as the plan anticipated, it\u2019s time to consider a new set of downtown objectives that align with citywide needs,\u201d Cox said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe 2003 plan successfully contributed to an expanded commercial district in the West Loop, revitalized waterfronts and new open spaces, and high-density mixed-use corridors throughout downtown,\u201d Cox said. \u201cToday, we have to evaluate and respond to the impact of online shopping, remote work, virtual classrooms and other trends that are impacting how the area functions within the context of the entire city and region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first part of the two-phase planning process includes an assessment of current conditions and visioning opportunities for stakeholders that will involve surveys, public meetings, community events and other activities through August 2023. Residents and workers will be asked to consider the impact of recent improvements like the \u201cLoop Link\u201d rapid transitway, what aspects of the downtown economy needs the most assistance, and how local infrastructure can better serve commuters and residents, among other needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The second phase will include the City\u2019s review and refinement of public input, the creation of a draft framework, and additional public review. A final framework could be presented for adoption to the Chicago Plan Commission in fall 2024, when it would serve as a formal roadmap for downtown improvements, public spending, and private-sector investments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDuring this transformative time for downtowns across the country, a forward-thinking, community-driven planning process is crucial to keeping Chicago a world-class destination for generations to come,\u201d\u00a0Chicago Loop Alliance<\/a> President Michael Edwards said. \u201cWe know re-envisioning the central area creates potential for exponential growth in the key sectors that make our city and downtown accessible, enjoyable and exceptional for all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Next week\u2019s webinar participants will review visioning opportunities and demographic data compiled by Esri, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Illinois Department of Employment Security and other sources, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n