Title
Downtown Redevelopment Area Plan Update
Description
This report provides information on the update to the Downtown Redevelopment Area Plan.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY
Report
Summary
In 1979, the Phoenix City Council adopted the Downtown Redevelopment Area (RDA) and Improvement Plan (Resolution 15143) in conformance with the General Plan to provide a broad framework of strategies for revitalization and redevelopment in Downtown Phoenix. The boundary for the original Downtown RDA was bounded approximately by McDowell Road to the north, 7th Street to the east, 7th Avenue to the west, and Lincoln Street to the south.
In 2020, Phoenix City Council approved the recertification and update to the Downtown RDA boundaries. To comply with Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) 42-6209.F, redevelopment areas with portions that lie within the City’s Central Business District had to be reviewed by the City by October 1, 2020, and either be renewed, modified, or terminated. The City surveyed over 7,000 parcels and found evidence of slum or blight on a predominance (50 percent or more) of properties, which indicates the updated Downtown RDA qualifies for a renewed slum or blighted area designation. Through this recertification, the boundaries of the Downtown RDA were also expanded to include an area that encompasses eight total redevelopment areas along with areas not previously in an redevelopment area. The new RDA is generally bounded by Moreland Street to the north, 16th Street to the east, and Interstate 17 to the west and south.
Since the updated boundaries were significantly different than the original boundaries and the impacted neighborhoods are very different today than in 1979, a solicitation was issued to seek a consultant to update the Downtown RDA Plan. In 2022, Phoenix City Council authorized an agreement with Plan*et Communities PLLC to begin the process of updating the Downtown RDA Plan to reflect current conditions and future vision for redevelopment. A Neighborhood Steering Committee (NSC), comprised of over 30 people representing 25 public, private, and non-profit organizations throughout each area of the Downtown RDA boundary, was formed to guide the plan update.
The Downtown RDA plan update is a high-level policy document that is directed by A.R.S 36-1479. The plan provides strategies and actions for revitalizing the updated Downtown RDA boundary area. One element of the plan is to relay the community's vision for redevelopment and identify redevelopment tools through incorporating land use planning, housing initiatives, infrastructure, partnerships, mobility, and more.The updated plan will replace the original 1979 plan, consolidate older redevelopment area plans within the new Downtown RDA, and identify opportunities for redevelopment. The plan provides an analysis of current conditions of twelve neighborhoods throughout the area, 27 strategies with multiple action items under each strategy, and various development type examples and design guidance.The plan update conforms with the General Plan’s core values, especially the values: Create a Network of Vibrant Cores, Centers, and Corridors, Connect People and Places, and Strengthen our Local Economy.
Public Outreach
Throughout the planning process, staff and the consultant engaged the general public through two community meetings held in 2023 and one community meeting held in 2025. Additionally, staff hosted five NSC meetings, site tours with community leaders, and provided presentations to the Phoenix Revitalization Corporation, Central Park Neighborhood Association, Phoenix Community Alliance, and Phoenix Elementary School District #1.
Location
The Downtown Redevelopment Area is generally bounded by Moreland Street to the north, 16th Street to the east, and Interstate 17 to the west and south.
Council Districts: 7 & 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.