GOAL
DOWNTOWN
Monroe will reinvigorate the downtown by strategically planning a genuine community gathering space that fosters public private partnerships for varied residential opportunities, creates jobs through business attraction and retention, and caters to a pedestrian-oriented environment with generation bridging activities.
This plan envisions the downtown area as a thriving asset that better establishes Monroe as a complete community. In other words, the goal of the downtown recommendations is to create an environment for people to enjoy being downtown for living, shopping, dining, entertainment, recreation, and work opportunities. While Monroe has a diverse land use mix of neighborhoods, employment districts, commercial corridors, and parks, the downtown lacks the activities to make it a unique district. Key amenities to attract families, young professionals, and other residents are critical to the future success of the area. This includes creating opportunities for more urban living, entertainment attractions, activities for families and children, arts and culture events, walkable streets, and interactive gathering spaces.
114 | Advance Monroe 2040 Comprehensive Plan
The recommendations below focus on the amenities and design elements needed to attract new development and subsequently, more residents and visitors to the downtown area. Some of the recommendations in this section will be implemented by the city or local non-profit groups and will require significant public investment. Public investment in these projects helps to exhibit the city’s commitment to the downtown and will then help attract developers and stimulate private investment in the area.
