Partnerships
Because public and private interests in downtown are so inextricably entwined, it is
essential that all interested parties work cooperatively to identify and achieve shared
objectives. Both public and private investments shape the character of the downtown
environment in terms of how it looks and how it functions. Only if these investments are
coordinated can maximum benefits be obtained.
When the Center City Commission initiated a strategic plan in 1999, it was responding to
the recognized need for a collaborative planning process that both articulated long-range
directions for Downtown Memphis and identified short-range action steps to help reach
those goals.
Two years later, the results of that effort are impressive. In addition to millions of dollars
in private and public investment for capital projects, Downtown Memphis has managed to
retain
Also significant is the steady improvement in public perceptions of Downtown as
measured in the survey conducted by the Center City Commission.
While the progress has been considerable, challenges remain, and new trends and
influences pose both opportunities and threats to continued prosperity for Downtown
Memphis. In light of this, the 2002 Strategic Plan Update planning process was initiated
for the purpose of re-examining the issues and priorities established in 1999 Strategic Plan
and developing an action plan for the next five to seven years.
The process of preparing the Revised Strategic Plan and fulfilling the aforementioned
goals was heavily staff driven; but a number of groups were involved in the refinement of
the work product and the adoption of the recommendations. Public Meetings throughout
the City were held to give downtown stakeholders (property owners, business owners,
developers, residents) the opportunity to share their visions and to review the proposed
goals of the Center City Commission.
In addition to the input from the public meetings, many interested citizens wrote letters to
the Center City Commission and completed a survey that was placed on our website,
www.downtownmemphis.com.
Survey results—-
The long-term goals for the development of the Central Business Improvement District
reflect the publics value of some very basic items, such as safety, transportation, usability,
and appearance. The goals also reinforce the publics appreciation of several major anchors
within Downtown the Riverfront, the Main Street Mall, center city neighborhoods, and
cultural attractionsthat make Memphis unique.
A Thriving Central Business District
Background on Economic Conditions.(information off of our Fact Sheets)
Housing
Office
Retail
Quality of Life
Tourism
Sustaining Main Street Mall
The single most important element in any downtown is its “Main Street,” the street where
retail activity should be concentrated.
