SE Valley Times

Mesa launches six interactive community planning workshops, known as Mesa Urban Labs, to gather resident input for the 2050 General Plan, Transit Master Plan, Transportation Master Plan, and other critical City Plans. The Mesa Urban Labs provide an opportunity for dialogue among Mesa staff, elected officials, residents, business owners and stakeholders to participate in envisioning and shaping the City's future growth. The workshops, starting on June 26, will take place over a month in each of the six City Council Districts to allow for local planning strategies to be identified and help inform citywide planning initiatives.

"Different areas of Mesa have different characteristics and unique challenges. There is no one better than those who have a stake in Mesa to shape the future of their neighborhoods, take charge of their communities and help formulate a plan that represents their vision for Tomorrow's Mesa," said Mesa City Manager Chris Brady. "The General Plan is crucial for the City's development, and we look forward to hearing from them at the upcoming Mesa Urban Labs."

Mesa residents can also provide feedback on the project by visiting www.tomorrowsmesa.com. Beginning July 1, the digital platform will enable remote participants to contribute their ideas and perspectives, ensuring a diverse range of voices are heard.

"Mesa is committed to creating a future that reflects the aspiration and needs of its residents and stakeholders," said Development Services Director Nana Appiah. Mesa Urban Labs provides a platform for engagement, ensuring the public input received is not only heard but forms the foundation that shapes the City's planning and development initiatives. City leaders and staff members will be present throughout the workshops to answer questions, share their perspectives and facilitate discussion on important topics.

Upcoming Mesa Urban Labs times and locations are as follows:
District 5, June 26, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Mesquite Room of Red Mountain Multi-generational Center (7550 E. Adobe St.)
District 6, June 27, from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. at Gilbert Community Education Center (6839 E Guadalupe Rd.)
District 2, July 8, from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at Jefferson Recreation Center (120 S Jefferson Ave.)
District 4, July 8, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at NE and NW Community Rooms at the Luster Building (640 N Mesa Dr.)
District 1, July 12, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Mesa (807 N Stapley Dr.)
District 3, July 26, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Grande Room-Dobson Ranch Community Center (2719 S Reyes)

Additional in-person and digital public engagement opportunities will be available in fall 2023 and early 2024.

The Mesa City Council will vote on the plan in the summer of 2024, and Mesa voters ratify the plan during the November 2024 election.

For more information on Mesa Urban Labs and the Tomorrow's Mesa initiative, please visit the Tomorrow's Mesa webpage. To learn more about Mesa's 2050 General Plan and to schedule interviews, please contact Ana Pereira at 480-644-2069 or ana.pereira@mesaaz.gov.

 Original source can be found here.