The Research Process
Research is a critical component in developing these plans. A variety of data will be evaluated as each plan is approached, including:
- Population, Demographic, and Socioeconomic Data
- Housing Developments
- Land Use and Developable Area
- Community Facilities
- Utilities and Infrastructure
- Roads, Transportation, and Mobility Data
- Downtown Parking Data
- Parks, Trails, and Open Space
- Economic Vitality and Strengths
- Environmental Conditions and Hazards
- Resiliency
- Priority Investments
- Existing Plans, Ordinances, and Policies
Comprehensive Plan
The Comprehensive Master Plan will provide an overall understanding of the community, its goals, and the approach to achieving implementation objectives. It will outline the current condition of various critical community development factors and establish a vision. This element will be prioritized as an initial deliverable, as the due diligence, goals, and implementation steps will serve as the foundation the subsequent planning efforts.
Stakeholder Workshops
Workshop #1
This interactive workshop will be conducted near the beginning of the Comprehensive Plan process and present initial information learned from the existing conditions assessment. This is the perfect opportunity for residents, employers, local lenders, community organizations, developers, and government agencies to provide additional insight.
Workshop #2
This second workshop will be held before presenting the draft plans to the Advisory Committee to provide an additional opportunity for community feedback as well and refine recommendations.
Public Meetings
To enhance the community engagement process, stakeholders will convene in a series of informative, dynamic, and engaging public meetings with interactive sessions to allow the public to provide feedback. Sessions will include surveys and polls, post-it note workshops, image preference surveys, and question-and-answer forums.
Meetings
Future meetings have not yet been scheduled. View past meetings/events by visiting this link.
Downtown Master Plan
To accommodate the ongoing interest from wineries, restaurants, and other businesses in Gainesville’s walkable downtown, creating a Downtown Master Plan is essential. This plan will address crucial aspects such as parking, zoning, aesthetic guidelines, and economic development resources. These include funding, incentives, and building space, ensuring the maintenance and enhancement of the downtown core. The goal of this planning effort is to establish a master plan that communicates the City’s vision and provides support for current and future businesses in the downtown area.
Stakeholder Workshops
Workshop #1
This workshop will utilize a walking and driving tour of Downtown Gainesville with the stakeholder group and conclude with roundtable discussions during an interactive workshop to discuss transportation and mobility, including sidewalks and parking, community facilities, vacant parcels and redevelopment opportunities, streetscape, lighting, and utility infrastructure.
Workshop #2
This second workshop will be held to review the draft Downtown Master Plan and the accompanying recommendations.
Public Meetings
Similarly to the public meetings held for the Comprehensive Plan, a public meeting will be held to introduce the project and collect initial feedback from those who live, work, and play in Downtown Gainesville. Subsequently, future meetings will be used to present draft recommendations, collect additional feedback, and present the final Downtown Master plan to the community at large.
Parks & Trails Master Plan
The Parks and Trails Master Plan will establish pedestrian and bicycle routes within and beyond the community, enhancing existing parks and identifying ideal locations for new ones. The plan prioritizes connecting key community hubs like downtown, schools, and parks, aligning with the broader regional trail network for both off and on-road opportunities. Recognizing the growing interest in active lifestyles, the initiative will also incorporate resources to encourage the use of trails and parks within the community.
Stakeholder Workshops
Workshop #1
This workshop will include a bus tour visiting each public amenity managed by Gainesville’s Parks and Recreation. Opportunities and gaps in parks and trails connectivity will be documented and inclusivity in each of the parks and recreation facilities will be assessed before identifying initial recommendations.
Workshop #2
A second workshop will provide an opportunity for the stakeholder group to review the recommendations to ensure they align with Parks and Recreation Goals of promoting active lifestyles and creating a sense of place.
Public Meetings
The public meetings involved in the Parks & Trails Master Plan will also introduce the project to the community and collect feedback from parks and recreation users. Goals such as access to public parks within a 10-minute walk, improving park and green space access and inclusivity are all on the table. A final meeting will present the final plan to the public.
Existing Plans
The documents below represent existing plans and studies performed by the City of Gainesville that are evaluated as part of this project.
Timeline
19 Jul 2024
- Project Kickoff Meeting
1 Sep 2024
- Advisory Committee Meeting
- Public Survey Opens
3 Dec 2024
- Advisory Committee Meeting
TBD
- Public Workshop
1 Feb 2025
- Advisory Committee Meeting
1 Apr 2025
- Advisory Committee Meeting
TBD
- Public Workshop
1 May 2025
- Advisory Committee Meeting
TBD
- Public Workshop Meeting
1 Aug 2025
- Advisory Committee Meeting
TBD
- Public Workshop
TBD
- Public Workshop
TBD
- Comprehensive Plan Final Draft
TBD
- Downtown Master Plan Final Draft
TBD
- Parks & Trails Master Plan Final Draft
21 Nov 2025
- Project Closeout
