Guiding Principles and Goals To guide change into the future we must know where we want to go. Through the planning process a Vision for the future with accompanying Guiding Principles and goals were established to point the way. The following Guiding Principles have been drafted to assist policy makers, developers, and residents in understanding the basic community development principles that need to be followed to implement this Plan and create the lively, dynamic urban environment envisioned to sustain economic growth and vitality within the Central Main Area. The accompanying policies further refine and define the intent of each Principle and how they can be applied as development occurs.
A Prosperous Community Downtown is the City Center for Mesa
Downtown is the City Center for all of Mesa and it must maintain that status. As the City Center, the downtown area will contain a unique mix and concentration of governmental, cultural, professional, commercial, entertainment, and residential activities compared to other areas of the community. Downtown Mesa has been, and will continue to be, an economic engine for Mesa as we take advantage of the public investment in light rail. Significant increases in high-quality, professional jobs and additional residential density will result in a more active downtown core that will support existing and new businesses. A combination of special events, festivals, and unique attractions will bring visitors from outside the area and surrounding communities. The downtown area will continue to build upon the great cultural assets such as the Mesa Arts Center, Arizona Museum of Natural History, the Arizona Museum for Youth, and the Mesa Arizona Temple. The larger Central Main Area economy will continue to build upon the foundation of unique, local businesses and will strive to attract more high-quality, unique retail, office, and entertainment establishments. The Plan for the larger planning area must work to transform the area from suburban corridors to a pattern of mixed-use nodes at transit stations and other principle intersections. These nodes should provide a village-scale focus of activity and identity for the surrounding neighborhoods. These nodes should help meet the daily shopping and business needs of the nearby residents, as well as people traveling on the streets. Goal PRC 1: Create a distinct and high-quality built environment that is attractive to existing and new employers, residents, and visitors. Goal PRC 2: Provide a wide range of residential buildings in areas designated for residential and mixed-use development in support of a diverse mix of employment, commercial, and recreational uses. Goal PRC 3: Support a diverse mix of employment uses and increased economic activity through development of a wide range of nonresidential and mixed-use buildings in Transit Villages, Downtown Transit Nodes, Downtown Core, and in other areas as warranted by demand. Goal PRC 4: Cultivate a well-educated, skilled workforce and diverse customer base that supports the success of existing and future businesses. Goal PRC 5: Leverage the high-quality, efficient, multi-modal transportation network to support the success of existing and future businesses and attractions.
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