The first phase will establish a shared understanding of the West End today and begin shaping a community-driven vision for its future. The project team will review existing plans and initiatives, gather input from residents and stakeholders, and identify the goals and strategies that will guide the planning process. Key activities during this phase include:

• Review existing plans, studies, and initiatives pertaining to the West End.

• Convene Committee Meeting #1 to review existing conditions, discuss community priorities, and help guide the visioning process.

• Launch the Community Survey to gather input about opportunities, challenges, and priorities.

• Conduct focus groups and community engagement activities to hear from local residents, businesses, and stakeholders.

• Hold a public workshop to introduce the project and gather community ideas.

• Develop an initial vision statement, goals, and strategies for the corridor.

Building on the community vision, the second phase will focus on identifying potential projects and redevelopment opportunities to advance the West End’s goals. Key activities include:

• Launch a Community Call for Projects to identify potential public, private, and community-led initiatives.

• Convene Committee Meeting #2 to review community feedback, discuss potential projects, and help identify priorities for further analysis.

• Review project ideas for their relationship to the emerging vision and goals.

• Continue targeted community outreach and engagement.

During the analysis phase, the project team will take a closer look at priority projects and opportunities identified through the planning process and Community Call for Projects. Key activities include:

• Refine and develop priority projects for the West End.

• Conduct project sponsor meetings and interviews.

• Evaluate project opportunities, needs, and potential next steps.

• Identify projects that could support future investment and funding opportunities.

The final phase will bring the community vision, project recommendations, and implementation strategies together into the West End Strategic Vision Plan. Key activities include:

• Prepare an implementation and funding matrix.

• Develop a DRI/NY Forward readiness roadmap.

• Convene Committee Meeting #3 to review recommendations and provide input as the Strategic Plan is finalized.

• Prepare the Draft and Final West End Strategic Vision Plan.

• Hold a final public workshop/presentation to share the recommendations with the community.

• Establish a clear roadmap for moving priority projects toward implementation.