THE PROVO DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC PLAN CONTINUES

During the first Provo Downtown Strategic Plan meeting on February 16, participants were asked to contribute their expertise and insight on the strengths and opportunities of today's Downtown Provo, as well as weaknesses and threats that they currently experience or anticipate confronting in the future. From these comments were organized four primary categories with specific objectives to accomplish. Each of the strengths or weaknesses identified by participants falls within one of these categories.

CULTURAL IDENTITY

This category focuses on the perceived need to have a more positive general character in the downtown. Cultural venues, arts programs, and activity centers are the primary focus, with the intent to attract more visitors to downtown, including the large student population of Provo. The overall goal is to raise the profile of Downtown Provo as the heart of the city.

CIVIC BEAUTY

Physical improvements are the focus of this category. Objectives include improving the downtown experience for pedestrians with improved streetscape and gathering places. The overall goal is to improve the physical aspects of the city that will attract more people to downtown for a more enjoyable urban experience.

URBAN VARIETY

The scope of this category encompasses the diversity of activity and people downtown, including business activities, retail vitality, dining opportunities and an expansion of available housing within the downtown area. The goal is to increase the daily level of activity, encouraging a mix of uses and people the downtown area.

MOBILITY

Mobility and connectivity are key components to a vibrant downtown. This category focuses on improving all aspects of mobility for Downtown Provo, including connections with transit systems, improvements to bike lanes and trail connections, simplified auto circulation, and adequate parking. The goal is to plan for connectivity for all modes of transportation.

At the second strategic planning workshop, on Saturday, March 8, from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Covey Center, we will begin to organize to plan work on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as grouped under these four categories.