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Duluth Comprehensive Plan Kick-off Event is September 21

Duluth, MN – The City of Duluth Community Planning Division will host a Comprehensive Plan kick-off event on September 21^st at Denfeld High School, 401 North 44th Ave West. Doors open at 4:45 pm; presentation begins at 5:30 pm and the event will conclude at 7:30 pm.  A Comprehensive Plan serves as a road map and a guide for land use and development to meet the current and future needs of its residents with respect to public health, safety and welfare. The 2035 Imagine Duluth Comprehensive Plan will create two new governing principles, and revisit the community vision, goals and recommendations to maintain and enhance the City’s quality of life.

“The kick-off event will serve as a report to the community on what has been done since our 2006 Comprehensive Plan, and look for visionary ideas to add to our 2035 Imagine Duluth plan,” said Community Planning Director Keith Hamre.

Duluth’s first Comprehensive Plan was created in 1927, and was updated in 2006. The Plan will be updated again in 2017 and plans for growth through 2035.

“A lot can happen in ten years, and even more in twenty. The newly updated Comprehensive Plan will help Duluth prepare for how we anticipate growth in the next twenty years, and focus on areas that can be developed and others to be left as green space,” Hamre said.

In June the Community Planning division launched a survey to help determine community assets and needs for improvement. City staff have attended over 50 events this summer to collect surveys. In addition, staff have met with stakeholders from the nonprofit, business and education communities, emailed surveys to all Duluth Community Clubs, and over 70 local businesses and nonprofits.

An initial goal of 3,000 surveys was achieved by Duluth residents and visitors throughout the summer. To date, 3,500 surveys have been completed with the survey closing at the end of September. The survey responses will be summarized and used to formulate a vision for the future of Duluth. Additional opportunities for public participation and input are being planned during this year long process.

Engaging the community in new ways has been a critical part of the effort this summer, with Mayor Emily Larson riding the DTA bus to visit with people who rely on public transportation, and spending time along the Lakewalk and in our parks system to hear what people have to say about open space. 

“When you give residents the opportunity to answer the question of ‘How do you Imagine Duluth’ you can really see our creativity. The response has been incredible. We hear from kids who want splash pads or pools. We hear that more local residents want access to our outdoor amenities. We hear hope for our next chapter. That doesn’t mean that our optimism isn’t without its challenges, but that’s what makes this process exciting,” said Mayor Larson.

She went on, “The kick-off event will continue our efforts to hear from residents on how we can imagine Duluth in ways that make sure all neighbors, in all neighborhoods, have the opportunity to live a fair, healthy and just life.”

Guests will enjoy refreshments, live music, and time to interact with fellow residents about their thoughts and vision for Duluth. Children will enjoy creating their own version of Duluth and coloring in a Duluth coloring book. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate.

Visit our website, imagineduluth.com for additional details and read more about the principles.

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