Downtown Greensboro 2030 Strategic Vision Plan

It began with a simple vision—establish Downtown Greensboro as a bold city of the future, with strong roots in its past. And now it’s becoming a reality.

Greensboro is North Carolina’s third largest city, with a core downtown that is treasured as a neotraditional-style neighborhood, with great walkability, compact blocks and lots of local amenities and services.

The City’s 2030 Strategic Vision Plan outlined the goals, strategies, and “big moves” to shape Downtown. The MIG-led effort brought together the Downtown business community with the City, the County of Guilford, private groups, community organizations, and non-profit organizations. The Plan builds on the momentum, energy and assets of Downtown and creates a place-based program for continued growth, identifying high-priority and high-impact catalytic projects.

In-depth community and stakeholder engagement included individual interviews, community workshops and stakeholder meetings, as well as in-person pop-up events in each district. More than 1,200 people responded to an online survey about proposed plans and policies. And during the pandemic, an additional online survey re-assessed priorities and ensured the Plan responds to profound societal changes.

The City and project partners are now implementing the Vision Plan. The new Autonomous Shuttle Connector, a partnership with North Carolina A&T State University, ensures easy connections and access for everyone in the downtown area. Phasing for the Gaylon Depot is in progress, and investments are taking shape for the South End and Lower Gateway Plans. A multi-use arena and developments on Battleground Avenue are on track to bring more entertainment to the area. Plus outdoor patios, improved wayfinding and streetscape enhancement projects are currently being developed. Downtown Greensboro’s “big moves” are shaping a boldly revitalized downtown.