Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Fountain Hills Town Council Wednesday, Sept. 4, recently approved an updated economic development strategy for the municipality’s downtown sector — one that hasn’t been evaluated since Barack Obama was the American president.
According to a press release, Fountain Hills Town Council unanimously approved a three-year economic development strategy whereas one of the implementation strategies within the document suggests for town leaders to “create a new Downtown Strategy consistent with current economic trends.”
In November 2023, the Town Council provided support for a staff-driven process to update the downtown strategy, representatives of the town say. View the plan for yourself HERE.
“It is exciting to be building on and expanding our downtown into a walkable, bustling, mixed-use district that spans several blocks, helped by creative zoning, sidewalks, banners, lighting and new signage,” said Mayor Ginny Dickey in a prepared statement.
“The Linear Park environment is so inviting—great for lunch, shopping, and happy hours. We will add additional gathering spaces, boosting that desired, welcoming vibe.”
The area considered for this updated strategy is north of El Lago, east of La Montana, and west of Fountain Park, divided into five sub-areas to address the unique aspects of different portions of the downtown.
Fountain Hills staff held six focus group meetings with residents and businesses, conducted four electronic surveys, and hosted a public open house in May. During the open house, staff gathered feedback on the concepts for the strategy developed through a survey process. Residents shared their feedback by reviewing the concepts boards and then highlighting the ideas they liked best.
Based on the feedback received, the Downtown Strategy will focus on four key areas:
- Land Use
- Infrastructure
- Economic Vitality
- Public Spaces/Placemaking
