Phoenix Council Approves Rio Salado District Policy Plan
The Phoenix City Council has approved the Rio Salado District Policy Plan, a pivotal step in the City’s long-term strategy to revitalize the Rio Salado corridor. This decision follows extensive planning and community engagement efforts and supports the RIO PHX initiative, which aims to reconnect residents with the river while fostering opportunities for housing, employment, recreation, and environmental restoration.
Mayor Kate Gallego highlighted the significance of the plan, stating it reflects community enthusiasm and ideas, transforming vision into policy to benefit residents for generations. The Rio Salado District represents the initial planning area within the broader RIO PHX initiative, which proposes to enhance approximately 20 miles of the Rio Salado corridor that runs through Phoenix.
Community-Driven Development
Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington emphasized the importance of intentional development in the area, highlighting the plan’s focus on connecting residents to the Rio Salado and fostering vibrant neighborhoods. She expressed gratitude for the community’s involvement in shaping the plan, particularly regarding residential opportunities.
The approved policy plan outlines a long-term framework for guiding future development in the district. It focuses on enhancing neighborhood connections, promoting economic growth, increasing access to public spaces, and protecting natural resources. Additionally, it prioritizes preserving the character of existing neighborhoods to ensure that current residents benefit from future investments.
District 4 Councilwoman Laura Pastor noted that the plan honors the legacy of her late father and the stories of working-class families tied to the corridor. She emphasized the importance of respecting the area’s history and placing community voices at the forefront of decision-making.
Next Steps and Regional Coordination
Alongside the policy plan, the City Council also approved an amendment to the General Plan Land Use Map, aligning future land use strategies with the district’s vision. This approval establishes a framework for future planning decisions, although it does not authorize specific development projects or alter existing zoning.
District 7 Councilwoman Anna Hernandez remarked on the historical neglect of communities along the Rio Salado, expressing hope that this plan represents a new approach to development that involves communities rather than imposing changes upon them.
The approval is part of the broader regional Rio Reimagined initiative, which aims to restore and enhance the Salt and Gila river corridors. With the policy plan now approved, the City can progress from planning to implementation, with continued collaboration with residents, property owners, and community partners to advance the plan’s recommendations and explore investment opportunities.
Source: City of Phoenix
