What is a Downtown Action Plan?

The Silver City Downtown Action Plan will define the community's vision for the downtown and identify priority catalytic projects to revitalize the downtown area through a dynamic community participation process. The Action Plan examines existing conditions and assets, analyses the downtown economics and market, develops a physical land use plan and design guidelines, designs specific redevelopment sites and projects, and identifies sustainable implementation strategies and funding sources for downtown's future physical improvements. When adopted by the Town Council, the Action Plan becomes a living document that guides downtown revitalization for years to come.

Through an extensive community participation process, we will create a plan for downtown that reflects its historical context and present opportunities and assets. The Downtown Action Plan will allocate new and future land uses and revitalization projects to create a sustainable downtown. A sustainable downtown is more than “green buildings”; it encompasses the adaptive reuse of existing buildings, conserves energy, water and cultural resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, promotes economic development and vitality, and celebrates the cultures and traditions of the community.

The plan development will include:

An asset inventory to determine the significant cultural and historic features and buildings, opportunity sites for redevelopment, and major regional attractions. The history and settlement story will identify key historical and cultural events or populations that can serve as contributing to a place-based identity for the downtown.

Evaluating the transportation/transit, traffic/parking, and pedestrian issues in the area and creating a walkable pedestrian-friendly environment through enhancements and traffic calming measures. Parking recommendations and strategies will be developed.

Determining vacant, underutilized and/or available land and buildings within the area that could be redeveloped and recommends adaptive reuses of existing buildings or new development on vacant land.

Reviewing the Town Zoning Code and recommends changes to the Code that will provide incentives and foster implementation of the plan.

Identifying priority catalytic projects that will stimulate revitalization efforts and attract private sector reinvestment into the downtown.

Identifying funding sources to implement the plan.

The planning process will result in a prioritized and phased Downtown Action Plan with implementation strategies consisting of revitalization projects and steps that the Town of Silver City, Silver City MainStreet, and the Arts Council can follow for the successful and long term sustainability of the downtown.