Presentation

Neighborhood Revitalization Strategies
Work Session
December 2, 2025

•Downtown Revitalization Plan
•Neighborhood Revitalization Actions

Downtown Revitalization Plan
• City Council Strategic Priorities 2021-22:
Goal: To promote reinvestment in commercial corridors.
Objective 1.1: “Actively work with stakeholders to develop a revitalization strategy
for commercial areas along Dysart and El Mirage Roads, and US 60 (Grand
Avenue), with special emphasis on NW Grand Frontage, W. Thunderbird and W.
Thompson Ranch Roads.”
• Maricopa County Human Services:
Recommended a revitalization plan to better prepare for potential additional
opportunities for Housing and Urban Development funding.

Downtown Revitalization Plan
• Downtown Revitalization Plan Scope:
To focus on strategies to stabilize and improve housing as well as revitalize
commercial areas within the older parts of the city.
• Goals:
o Revitalization of the Downtown area
o Position it as a local destination
o Create a unique sense of place
o Focus on keeping downtown clean and visually appealing

Downtown Revitalization Plan
• Study Area:
Grand Avenue/US Route 60
to the northeast, the BNSF
rail spur/Santa Fe Lane to
the northwest, 5th Avenue to
the west, Thunderbird Road
to the south, 119th Avenue to
the west, and Cactus Road
to the south.

Downtown Revitalization Plan
• June 22, 2022: Request for Statement of Qualifications for Consulting Services
published. Only one complete Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) was submitted by
Michael Baker International.
• October 4, 2022: City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a Professional
Services Contract with Michael Baker International to provide services to develop the
Downtown Revitalization Plan.
• May 16, 2023: Work Session to review the draft Downtown Revitalization Plan
document, along with public comments received.
• September 19, 2023: City Council accepted the Downtown Revitalization
    Plan.

Downtown Revitalization Plan
Project’s webpage: Development Services / Downtown Revitalization Plan

Neighborhood Revitalization Actions
• September 3, 2024: Parks and Recreation, Grants, Public Relations, Administration,
Economic Development, and Development Services staff drafted a Memorandum
outlining strategies and action items based on those suggestions provided by the final
Downtown Revitalization Plan document. The recommendations in this memorandum
have been distributed in the following categories for implementation:
o Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026: Ongoing or proposed activities.
o Additional Planning/Resource/Feedback needed: To be further researched.
o To be further evaluated: Activities to be further evaluated and reviewed.

Neighborhood Revitalization Actions
• April 7, 2025: All-day Work Session to review and discuss the proposed Fiscal Year
2025/26 annual budget. The work session presentation included slides referring the
“Downtown Neighborhood Revitalization Strategies” as $100,000 was included in the
budget for this effort:

Neighborhood Revitalization Actions
• ON-GOING Strategies and Actions:
o Research opportunities to help those who require physical or financial help for compliance (Community
Services / Code Compliance)
o Continue the Code Enforcement with an aggressive, systematic, and proactive approach (Code
Compliance)
o Work with supporting agencies to advance affordable housing initiatives and programs, such as the
Housing Authority and the Newtown Community Development Corporation (Administration / Community
Services)
o Maintain an accurate database of all Downtown business and property owners (Economic Development)
o Conduct systematic business visitations to build a stronger network among the
Downtown business community, help link businesses with resources and technical
assistance, and identify any issues or concerns (Economic Development)

Neighborhood Revitalization Actions
• ON-GOING Strategies and Actions (continues):
o Implement formal groundbreaking and/or ribbon cuttings for new projects and business openings
(Economic Development / Public Relations)
o Roadway Improvements, including ADA sidewalk enhancements and stormwater upgrades (Public
Works / Grants / Engineering)
o Implement robust senior center programming and services, including the inaugural Cesar Chavez
Walk/Day of Service Event in 2026. (Parks and Recreation)
o Provide shelter and other services to those experiencing homelessness. (Community Services / Maricopa
County / Code Compliance)
o Develop media to educate residents and business owners regarding the City's Code and working with
property owners to bring properties into compliance (Public Relations / Code Compliance)
o Identifying vacant homes in the city that have been vandalized or are unsafe, which
negatively affect neighborhoods (Fire, Police, Building Safety, Code Compliance)

Neighborhood Revitalization Actions
• NEXT Strategies and Actions:
o Feedback from Council related to the revitalization plan and action items
o Selection of a consulting firm with experience in residential and business development
o Schedule a community information session to share information, gather feedback, and foster dialogue
o Develop and publish a community survey
o Invite residents, property owners, and business owners to participate in group discussions
o Establish a volunteer group of residents, property owners, and business owners to assist with the
evaluation and revitalization

Neighborhood Revitalization Actions
• NEXT Strategies and Actions (continues):
o Develop a unified visual concept (logo) and message for both Thunderbird Road as well as
Downtown El Mirage to incorporate in all marketing collateral used for each specific area
o Explore the implementation of a new entry signage that is specific to Downtown El Mirage
o Explore opportunities to celebrate the Downtown’s culture and history in public places (murals,
celebrations, streetscape improvements, public amenities)
o Explore opportunities for property improvement grants, such as a small business façade
improvement program