OVERVIEW

Purpose of the Community Plan
The City of Tempe is committed to continued reinvestment in its neighborhoods.  The aim of this plan is to enhance the character and economic viability of the area – its housing opportunities, businesses, schools, and amenities – in accordance with the city’s general plan.  The plan provides a way to monitor community attitudes and changing conditions, while preserving and enhancing the character of the area.  Citizens have the opportunity to prioritize their community needs and develop activities that will implement the community plan.

What area is covered in the Northwest Tempe Community Plan?
The area extends from Broadway Road north to Rio Salado Parkway; from the railroad tracks west to Priest Drive (north of University); from Mill Avenue west to Priest Drive (south of University).  It also includes the residential area Lindon Park, located west of Priest Drive between University and Fifth Street

 What is a Community Plan and why is it important?
A community plan is a policy document that will be used by the City of Tempe when making decisions about the Northwest Tempe Area. The community plan analyzes and outlines the goals, objectives, and implementation strategies related to future development or improvements.  This includes residential and commercial developments, transportation projects, recreation, neighborhood design proposals, and economic development.

Where did the process start?
The area has a long planning history. The Northwest Tempe planning process began as a citizen-driven initiative in 1995. Initially, the planning process focused on the Riverside and Sunset neighborhoods north of University Drive. Recognizing the value of the process, it expanded to the eight neighborhoods making up the balance of the Northwest Tempe area. Considerable staff and community work on the plan occurred between 1995 and November 2002.

 Where are we now?
In November 2003, City Council directed Neighborhood Services staff to work with the community to complete the Northwest Tempe Community Plan.  An open house was held in Spring 2005 to re-engage the neighborhood with the objective of using the existing extensive work completed to date to finish the plan.   Neighborhood comment was taken and incorporated into a revised draft plan which will be shared with the public in Spring 2007.  The plan will then be forwarded to the Development Review Commission and the City Council for their consideration.  The objective of this process is to have the NWTCP adopted as an amendment to the General Plan.

  For more information or to request a copy of the draft plan, please contact: 

Decima Sever, City of Tempe Development Services
480-350-8920 or email