Project Description:

The City of Harrisonburg and Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR) launched Harrisonburg Downtown 2040, a community-driven plan for Downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia. The process was designed to learn from residents, business owners, community leaders, employees, developers, students, and others about their vision and priorities for the next two decades of growth and change in Downtown Harrisonburg. Downtown 2040 is a guiding document to inspire change, raise funds, direct public spending, and form lasting partnerships to make real improvements in Downtown over the next 20 years. The plan is grounded in community voices, addressing key issues including racial equity and inclusion, walkability and bikeability, housing, economic development, arts and culture, parking, zoning, parks, environmental stewardship, development opportunities, events, and programming. Downtown 2040 proposes 20 recommendations or action steps for Downtown Harrisonburg, organized by 10 key goals or overarching ideas that emerged from the community’s input throughout the process.

Public realm recommendations included improvements to key streets including Main Street and Liberty Street and expanded gathering spaces at Court Square, the Build Our Park site, and along Blacks Run. Renovations to existing parking lots were also proposed to include local pollinator gardens and stormwater management best practices.

The final plan is available here.