Background & Purpose
In 2016, the City of Appleton began conducting a 5-year update to its 2010-2030 Comprehensive Plan, which included updates to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Chapter 18) and a full re-write of the City’s Downtown Plan (Chapter 14). Monthly Steering Committee meetings, workshops, walking and bicycle tours, presentations, and open houses were held over 11 months offering numerous opportunities for public input, in addition to this interactive website allowing for on-line comments.
The City of Appleton Comprehensive Plan 2010-2030 Text and Future Land Use Map Amendments were adopted by the Common Council on March 15, 2017. The updated chapters are available on the Documents page. Subsequent to its adoption, the City is now working to carry out the various goals, objectives, and policies found in the Plan. This website, originally developed during the 5-year update, will remain active and is intended to share information that relates to Comprehensive Plan implementation.
State of Downtown Development Summit
The State of Downtown Development Summit, presented in partnership by Appleton Downtown Inc. and the City of Appleton, was held on October 4, 2022. The event provided an opportunity to learn more about recent/ongoing development projects, planning efforts, and market study data. Developers, real estate brokers, design firms, and other stakeholders were able to connect with ADI and City staff to discuss opportunities and resources. Below are the combined presentation slides from the summit (click the image to open the PDF file).
Appleton City Planning Centennial Month
September 2022 marks the 100-year anniversary of the first comprehensive plan for the City of Appleton. The “City Planning Survey with Proposals for Future Development” was completed in September 1922 by the consultants Leonard S. Smith and R.E. Stoelting. To recognize this milestone in our community’s history, the Appleton City Planning Centennial Month Proclamation was signed by Mayor Woodford on September 15, 2022. Below is a timeline document intended to showcase key accomplishments from the 1922 Plan and subsequent comprehensive plans (click the image to open the PDF file).
College North Neighborhood Plan
The College North Neighborhood Plan builds upon the vision and goals of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. This plan will help to shape and stimulate development in the area north of College Avenue. It provides redevelopment alternatives, a market analysis, and implementation strategies.
The City launched the plan in Fall 2021 and finished in Summer 2022. Over 100 people attended meetings, design studios, and a public open house, and over 6,400 people visited the project website. A Steering Committee, formed with various public members, and a Technical Review Committee, made up of various City staff, were also heavily involved in offering input on the plan.
Below is the final plan that was approved by Common Council on August 3, 2022. Also available are the executive summary and committee presentation slides.
Recently Completed: Downtown Streetscape Design Guide
The Downtown Streetscape Design Guide builds upon recommendations found in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The guide offers further details for varying street types throughout downtown. Streetscape elements, such as decorative lighting, benches, and special paving, can help to create an inviting atmosphere and improve walkability. The guide is intended to inform decisions as future street reconstruction projects occur, with the final design of each project being reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
A virtual community input meeting was held on April 15, 2021. The recorded presentation can be viewed below.
To view the document, please click the link below. This item went to Municipal Services Committee on April 26, 2021 and was unanimously approved by Common Council on May 5, 2021.
New Opportunity: ARA Business Enhancement Grants
The Appleton Redevelopment Authority (ARA) has allocated $80,000 to a new Business Enhancement Grant Program to assist commercial property owners and tenants with facade and exterior improvements within the City of Appleton. Details can be found online at the Community and Economic Development Business Resources page.
Current Projects: Appleton Public Library Project
The Comprehensive Plan includes recommendations related to the Appleton Public Library, including Objective 7.8 in Chapter 7 Utilities and Community Facilities: “Support creation of a new or remodeled library downtown.” The City of Appleton Common Council has awarded a contract to Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) for design and engineering services for the Appleton Public Library at its current location. To stay up-to-date on the Appleton Public Library building project, please visit the library’s planning homepage.
Recent Highlights
Subsequent to the Plan adoption, the City created two new Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) Districts in Downtown. Details about the TIF Districts can be found online at the Community & Economic Development Department's page.