HOAs, civic clubs & other groups invited to host Do-It-Yourself Workshops as part of Wake Forest Downtown Plan Update

The Town of Wake Forest is introducing a new opportunity in the process of updating its Downtown Plan (formerly known as the Renaissance Plan for Downtown Wake Forest). HOAs, book clubs, youth groups, and other community organizations are invited to host Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Workshops as a way of encouraging even greater public participation in the planning for the future of Downtown Wake Forest.

As part of the initiative, the Wake Forest Planning Department will provide participating groups with the tools and information necessary to conduct their very own community workshop, including facilitator instructions, workshop discussion questionnaires, workshop agenda and ground rules, and more.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for the community to participate in our Downtown Plan Update,” said Assistant Planning Director Jennifer Currin. “These small group discussions will help us reach Wake Forest residents and ensure that the updated plan is well-informed by our entire community.”

To learn more or request a DIY Workshop kit, email Jennifer Currin at [email protected].

Community input is the cornerstone of the Wake Forest Downtown Plan. In addition to hosting DIY Workshops, area residents and downtown businesses are invited to attend one of two visioning workshops on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at Wake Forest Fire Station #1, 420 Elm Ave., to learn more and share their thoughts and opinions on such topics as development and redevelopment, vehicular connections, pedestrian and bicycle connections, streetscape and urban design, green space and gathering space, and placemaking.

Programmed (not drop-in) sessions will be offered from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Since these are programmed and not drop-in sessions, attendees are encouraged to arrive a few minutes before the advertised start time.

In the meantime, residents and businesses are invited to visit https://bit.ly/WFDowntownPlan and complete the online survey. Available through Sunday, Nov.  12, the survey takes less than 15 minutes to complete. The results of this survey will be used in preparing the plan and for other community decision-making purposes.

Wake Forest residents are encouraged to check their mail for a postcard invitation to attend the November 8 visioning workshops and complete the online survey.

Scheduled for adoption in fall 2024, the updated Wake Forest Downtown Plan will provide recommendations and serve as a guide for future land use and development, transportation and parking, pedestrian mobility, redevelopment opportunities, and streetscape improvements throughout Downtown Wake Forest.

For more information and updates, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit https://bit.ly/WFDowntownPlan or email Assistant Planning Director Jennifer Currin at [email protected].