Comprehensive Planning

Since Summer 2022, the University City Plan Commission, Planning & Development Department staff, and community members from across the City have worked together to shape the City’s new comprehensive plan. This process was built upon the successful Community Vision 2040 process and many important plans and studies that have been conducted since the previous plan was adopted. Now, community members can view the plan document here. The ambitious plan includes over 100 specific actions (projects, programs, or policies) to help shape the future of the city with a focus on addressing critical issues such as socioeconomic and racial segregation and the impacts of flooding. It also includes a Character and Land Use Map, which is intended to help guide the City’s development over the long term, emphasizing themes such as improving connectivity, encouraging housing quality and variety, and fostering mixed-use nodes of activity.

The plan was adopted by the University City Plan Commission on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 and has been recommended to City Council for approval. The next step in the process is for City Council to review the plan and vote whether to approve it. City Council will be discussing the plan on November 13 at 5:00 pm at City Hall, 6801 Delmar Boulevard, 5th Floor Council Chambers.

• View the 2023 Comprehensive Plan (Pending City Council Approval)
• View the Community Vision 2040 Roadmap Report*
  *The Community Vision 2040 was a visioning process that is the foundation of the 2023 Comprehensive Plan.

What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A comprehensive plan is a long-term guide that expresses the values and aspirations of a community. It is the broadest public policy document a community can create for its future physical development considering the input of residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. The plan is a tool to prepare for change and acts as both a business plan and guidebook for decision-makers. The plan is not a legally binding document, but it can serve as a foundation for budgeting decisions, zoning ordinances, land development regulations, and more.

Previous Comprehensive Plans

The City adopted its first Comprehensive Plan in 1922. Since then, subsequent comprehensive plans or updates were prepared in 1931, 1958, 1986 and 1999. The 2005 Comprehensive Plan represents the latest iteration of the City's long range planning efforts.  It is an official public document adopted by City Council for use as a policy guide in making land use and economic decisions. It provides a concise statement of the City’s policies for future development and redevelopment within the City.  

2005 Comprehensive Plan

1999 Comprehensive Plan