RIO REIMAGINED REGIONAL VISION PLANNING PROCESS

Positioning Rio Reimagined for Long-Term Success

Since the Rio Reimagined initiative first launched in 2018, there has been an intentional focus on partnership building and the creation of a regional identity for the river corridor. Local communities have invested in planning and projects, however; there has not been a regional community vision or plan established for the Rio Reimagined study area, a 55+ mile Salt and Gila River corridor traversing the urban metro Phoenix area.  These local projects, plans, and prior community engagement efforts will serve as a foundation for a future regional-scale vision plan for Rio Reimagined that will require expansive community-led design and outreach, as well as alignment of municipal, county, and Native nations planning priorities.

The development of a regional-scale vision plan for Rio Reimagined will be approached in phases. In June 2024, elected leadership of the RIO communities voiced their support for the initial phase to scope components, type and process of a regional plan for the river corridor.

Click here for current status updates on the vision planning process.

Positioning Rio Reimagined for Long-Term Success

Since the Rio Reimagined initiative first launched in 2018, there has been an intentional focus on partnership building and the creation of a regional revitalization identity for the river corridor. Local communities have invested in planning and projects, however; there has not been a regional community vision or plan established for the Rio Reimagined study area, a 55+ mile Salt and Gila River corridor traversing the urban metro Phoenix area.  These local projects, plans, and prior community engagement efforts will serve as a foundation for a future regional-scale vision plan for Rio Reimagined that will require expansive community-led design and outreach, as well as alignment of municipal, county, and Native nations planning priorities.

The specific scope and content of a regional vision plan for Rio Reimagined will be determined through a participatory planning process that will be implemented in phases. In June 2024, elected leadership of the RIO communities voiced their support for the initial phase to scope components, type and process of a regional plan for the river corridor.

Click here for a current update on the ‘Phase 1’ of this planning process.

A Multi-Year Process

PHASE ONE: Vision Plan Launch (In Process; Spring 2025 – Fall 2025)

A consultant team was selected through competitive procurement by a diverse evaluation committee in Spring 2025 to guide RIO partners in designing a planning process and scope of work for a regional vision plan. The selected consultant team, composed of ABLE Studio, PAM, and Sixth World Solutions, brings a range of expertise, including visioning, strategy, planning, landscape architecture, and indigenous-led consultancy to the work of building a participatory process that engages the diverse communities along the river corridor and honors their unique assets, needs, and priorities.

The scope and cost to develop a plan will be evaluated by RIO partners, with a decision by the leaders of the Rio Reimagined communities in Fall 2025 on whether to proceed with “Phase Two”.

PHASE TWO: Vision Plan Development (Not Started)

Contingent upon outcome of “Phase One”. If partners agree to proceed and funding is secured, “Phase Two” will involve substantial outreach and community engagement to build out the regional vision plan for the Rio Reimagined river corridor.

PHASE THREE: Plan Implementation (Not Started)

Implement governance of RIO initiative and projects. Secure additional support for project implementation.

What is a Plan?

A “regional vision plan” for Rio Reimagined refers to a comprehensive and coordinated plan for restorative environmental, economic, and community stewardship of the urban Salt and Gila River corridor.

Such a plan will build upon a foundation of existing plans, projects, and community engagement activities, knitting together these existing and historical efforts and identifying gaps and overarching connections to define a vision for the future of the river corridor at a regional scale.

The specific scope and content of a regional vision plan for Rio Reimagined will be determined through a participatory planning process.

What are the benefits of a vision plan?

ENGAGE COMMUNITY

Ensure meaningful community engagement + competitiveness for funding

LEVERAGE MOMENTUM

Leverage current momentum of local interest and amplify for maximum impact

EXPAND IMPACT

Connect and expand the impact of discrete local projects

DEVELOP PROJECTS

IDENTIFY

Identify and implement new regional projects

CREATE CORRIDOR IDENTITY

Create a regional sense of place and identity for the river corridor

ALIGN PRIORITIES

PRIORITIZE

Align diverse priorities (e.g., economic development, ecosystem restoration, recreation and trail connectivity, community development)

What are the benefits of a vision plan?

ENGAGE COMMUNITY

Ensure meaningful community engagement + competitiveness for funding

LEVERAGE MOMENTUM

Leverage current momentum of local interest and amplify for maximum impact

EXPAND IMPACT

Connect and expand the impact of discrete local projects

DEVELOP PROJECTS

IDENTIFY

Identify and implement new regional projects

CREATE CORRIDOR IDENTITY

Create a regional sense of place and identity for the river corridor

ALIGN PRIORITIES

PRIORITIZE

Align diverse priorities (e.g., economic development, ecosystem restoration, recreation and trail connectivity, community development)

Who Will Be Involved

Design of a planning process and scope of work for development of a forthcoming vision plan for Rio Reimagined will be grounded in meaningful, robust engagement with diverse partners and stakeholders including, but not limited to:

Public Sector

Private Sector

Institutions

Community

The design of a community engagement strategy will serve as an integral part of the RIO planning process and scope of work, setting forth the manner and process by which community partners and stakeholders within the Rio Reimagined study area will be meaningfully engaged in the development of a Vision Plan for RIO during Phase 2, including a system by which diverse perspectives and priorities are integrated into decision-making.

Stay Informed and Participate

Your voice is needed. Stay informed by joining the Rio Reimagined listserv. Regular updates will be sent to partners with opportunities for direct involvement throughout. Click here for current status updates on the vision planning process. For more information on other active planning work in the Rio Reimagined study area, check out the Other Planning Efforts webpage.

Elected Leaders Discuss Benefits of Regional Vision Planning Process for Rio Reimagined

On June 26, 2024, elected leaders from communities within the Rio Reimagined study area met at Maricopa Association of Governments to discuss the benefits of a regional vision planning process for Rio Reimagined. Leaders supported the concept of an early scoping phase to evaluate and connect existing planning and community engagement along the river corridor and design a vision planning process informed by communities along the river. Next steps include a consultant-led process to engage Rio Reimagined communities in designing a vision planning process.

As this progresses, we will be developing helpful communications channels to continue to keep the Rio Reimagined network informed and engaged. Watch your in-box for updates on this new and exciting phase for Rio Reimagined.

Elected Leaders Discuss Benefits of Regional Vision Planning Process for Rio Reimagined

June 26, 2024, elected leaders from communities within the Rio Reimagined study area met at Maricopa Association of Governments to discuss the benefits of a regional vision planning process for Rio Reimagined. Leaders supported the concept of an early scoping phase to evaluate and connect existing planning and community engagement along the river corridor and design an inclusive vision planning process informed by communities along the river. Next steps include a consultant-led process to engage Rio Reimagined communities in designing a vision planning process.

Stay Informed

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Stay Connected

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