For Immediate Release: 3/9/2023 12:10 pm
WORCESTER, Mass. – The second public in-person event for the Worcester Now | Next Citywide Plan will be hosted March 30th, accompanied by a virtual version two weeks later, and then a series of Listening Tour events. Join us in shaping the future of housing, transportation, and economic opportunity in Worcester!
The interactive Public Draft Plan Workshops provide an opportunity for members of the Worcester community to share feedback on the draft plan recommendations that will set priorities to guide the next 10 years of planning, policymaking, and capital projects in Worcester, including zoning (the laws that regulate the use, size, and density of development in the city). The workshops will focus on the overall plan framework, spatial recommendations, and policy priorities. Public input will inform the full, detailed draft plan document, which will be shared later this summer after the workshops and listening tour conclude.
“Public input is vital to the development of the Worcester Now | Next Citywide Plan,” said Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista. “The plan will guide the future of Worcester’s built environment which impacts the economy, public transportation, and housing. It’s important residents have a seat at the table to help the City prioritize its policymaking, projects, and planning.”
“This is an opportunity that we have not seen in over a generation,” said Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty. “Community members can truly help shape Worcester’s future by participating in the Now | Next planning process. I urge all residents to participate in these workshops either in-person or virtually to share their ideas and opinions and ensure that their voices are heard.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the proposed framework for sustainable and equitable growth in Worcester through maps and graphics addressing topics ranging from housing and land use to economic opportunity, transportation and mobility, and more. The planning team will also present the findings from the Priority Goals Questionnaire that ran from November 2022 to the end of February 2023.
Public Draft Plan Workshop Event Details
The in-person Public Draft Plan Workshop will be held Thursday, March 30th at the Worcester Senior Center (128 Providence St., Worcester, MA 01604) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Light food and refreshments will be provided.
The virtual workshop will occur two weeks later, on Wednesday, April 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. as a virtual Zoom video conference, using tools like live polling, digital whiteboards, and breakout rooms for smaller group dialogue and activities.
Visit now-next.worcesterma.gov/events/ to learn more and RSVP.
Accessibility & Translation
The Worcester Senior Center has a handicap-accessible entrance, free parking, and is accessible via WRTA bus routes 1 and 11.
Both the in-person and virtual events will be conducted in English with live interpretation in Spanish and American Sign Language. We are committed to ensuring that Worcester Now | Next is accessible to all. Should you require reasonable accommodations and/or language assistance, please let us know with your specific request a minimum of 10 business days prior to the scheduled meeting.
If you are interested in helping us reach more community members, please contact our community organizer, Guillermo Creamer, Jr. at nownext@utiledesign.com.
Spring Listening Tour Events
The in-person and virtual Public Draft Plan Workshops will be followed by a series of Listening Tour events which will provide an opportunity for more members of the Worcester community to share their input on the same topics. These Listening Tour events will be scheduled at locations around the city from April through June, details to be announced shortly after the Workshops conclude. Subscribe for updates on the Worcester Now | Next planning process here.
