Community leaders, business owners, and government officials came together last week at the Excelsior Springs Community Center to participate in a Visioning Session called “Embrace the Current, a Community Rising,” an initiative to create a new City Comprehensive Plan.
Spearheaded by Olsson Studio’s Shelby Ferguson and Hannah Kroll, the project seeks to craft a roadmap for the city’s future through community input. Residents are encouraged to participate alongside a “Technical Committee” composed of City staff who can provide valuable background information.
A Plan for the Future
A Comprehensive Plan serves as a blueprint for a community’s growth and development over the next 15 years. It considers the city’s current state, its history, and the aspirations of its residents. The last plan was updated in 2009, and this revision aims to ensure Excelsior Springs thrives in the years to come.
The plan will address various aspects of the city, including land use, transportation, economic development, and quality of life. Residents identified key areas for improvement, such as housing availability, youth activities, and expanding the tax base. They also expressed desires for a sports complex at the old airport, a downtown riverwalk, and the preservation of the city’s historic mineral waters.
How to Get Involved
Public participation is imperative for this initiative. A survey launched on June 21st, 2024, is ongoing, and residents can expect a public open house, both in-person and virtual, in January 2025. This will follow a charrette, a collaborative meeting where stakeholders discuss solutions. A public review period and hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council will follow in Spring 2025.
For more information and ways to get involved, visit excelsioracommunityrising.com or text “ExcelsiorRising” to 888-521-3871 to receive text alerts.
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