RIO REIMAGINED REGIONAL VISION PLANNING PROCESS
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 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 an inclusive, 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., equity, environmental justice, climate resilience, economic development, ecosystem restoration, 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., equity, environmental justice, climate resilience, economic development, ecosystem restoration, community development)
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 an inclusive, participatory planning process.
A Multi-Year Process
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, inclusive 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.
Early community engagement on partner priorities for a regional vision planning process is represented in this one page graphical overview of a June 2024 partnership meeting.
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.
Email info@rioreimagined.com to sign up. If you have questions, please email us and we will be in touch.
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 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.
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.
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.
Stay Informed
Sign up to receive news, updates, and Rio Reimagined Partnership meeting invites to keep informed about the initiative.
Stay Connected
Sign up to receive news, updates, and Rio Partnership meeting invites to keep informed about the initiative.