Tools for Change The Vision for Change provides the “big picture” of the future Central Main Area. To create the change needed to establish the Central Main Area as “A Place for People,” there must be a plan for implementation. This chapter identifies the Tools for Change necessary to implement the Plan in accordance with the Vision. The tools that will be described include:
Goal and policy statements that direct actions and decision making. Projects that provide additional tools to achieve the plan goals. Programs that provide ongoing efforts to achieve and maintain the plan goals. Building and street character for urban environments. A Regulating Plan for adoption of a Form-Based Code. Metrics to measure environmental impacts.
The chapter begins with the goals and policies that have been developed to guide the change described by each Guiding Principle. The policy statements define a method or course of action that will help achieve the Plan goals. In practice, the goals and policies will be used by citizens, property owners, developers, City staff, and appointed and elected City officials when considering new development or activities in the Central Main Area. The chapter finishes with a listing of all the projects and programs that have been identified as beneficial to the implementation of the Plan. For each project and program, a lead agency responsible for implementation has been identified, as well as the anticipated implementation timeframe. Further, budget and staffing demands necessary for implementation have been estimated. Individual projects and programs have only been listed one time. However, an individual project or program may further the achievement of several Plan goals.
Goals and Policies A Prosperous Community
Downtown is the City Center for Mesa
GOAL PRC 1: Create a distinct and high-quality built environment that is attractive to existing and new employers, residents, and visitors.
Policy PRC 1.1: All new development should incorporate high-quality architectural design, materials, and construction that enhance the Central Main Area’s character and sense of place in support of attracting employers, residents, and visitors. Policy PRC 1.2: Promote development forms and site design that results in the ability for year-round activity within the public realm. Policy PRC 1.3: Encourage a development pattern that results in an urban environment in station areas and
Downtown, and provides a diversity of land uses (residential, employment, commercial, retail, entertainment, government, educational, and open space/recreation) that will allow people to live, work, learn, and recreate within the Central Main Area, as well as attract visitors from the larger metropolitan area. Policy PRC 1.4: Support the identification, protection, and enhancement of important historic resources, which contribute to community character and the unique sense of place that attracts employers, residents, and visitors.
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