What: The city is updating its Master Plan to a 2055 horizon. On August 27, 2026 the Council and Planning Commission met jointly to start visioning and set priorities.
Where it stands: Discussion only; no vote on the plan. Consultant MIG presented the project, vision, goals and plan elements. Staff said about 12,000 acres are available for development.
Priorities voiced: a medical center and medical services, transportation and mobility, emergency preparedness, parks, libraries, an aquatic center, a performing arts center, affordability and larger home lots, housing for veterans and families, and a welcoming, business-friendly city.
Micaela Moore introduced Renkens, principal with MIG, who presented slides on why the Master Plan must be updated, its requirements, engagement strategies and existing conditions, then led a visioning discussion.
Calhoun asked how many acres are available for development; Murphy said 12,000 acres.
Menzies asked where the senior demographic fits; Renkens said aging in place can be woven through housing, transportation and climate. Menzies also raised parks managed by HOAs and gateways or archways at neighborhood entrances.
Barron named a medical center as an economic development priority and later transportation and mobility, affordability and larger home lots, and a performing arts center.
Goynes-Brown wants fewer residents commuting to work. Garcia-Anderson asked how the city would respond to and survive a major catastrophe and called emergency preparedness a priority; she also suggested an aquatic center.
Black called it an opportunity to chart the future, said the process is not starting from a deficit, and wants the negative stigma around the city removed.
Zeiler spoke for more libraries (more job opportunities), first responders' needs and an NBA team practice facility. Villeda wanted more parks, indoor soccer facilities and noted the city is small-business friendly. Vega wanted a soccer team and a city welcoming to veterans.
Cherchio thanked staff and hoped the incoming Council continues the city's progress.
One-word visions: Black, an exaggerated playful word; Garcia-Anderson, flourishing; Goynes-Brown, home and sanctuary; Villeda, opportunity; Calhoun, great; Vega, community; Charles, mobility and affordability; Menzies, topography (the mountains); Zeiler, oasis; Barron, nuestro (ours); Cherchio, welcoming.
Public forum: four residents spoke on keeping development and jobs local, scheduling future meetings later in the day, the medical district, usable land, veterans housing, preparing local youth for jobs and the city's plan for homelessness.