Riverside is updating its General Plan for 2025. A General Plan is a set of broad goals and guidelines offering a policy and spending framework. As state and federal laws and regulations change, they require adjustments to city plans in order to remain in compliance. While some of what goes into the General Plan may be determined above the city level, much of the expenditure and implementation happens here in Riverside. Riverside is asking for your help in determining what putting these goals into action might look like.
Future Fest was the first of many community engagement events designed to inform Riversiders what the General Plan and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan may include and ask for your input on parts of the plan that can be decided here, by the residents of the city.
The city set up several canopies in front of Regal Cinemas at the Riverside Plaza with information kiosks and activities aimed at gauging public preference for the direction Riverside takes for the next 25 years. Ultimately, this community input will be considered when drafting the new General Plan and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, Riverside2050.
In addition to the official booths, many businesses and non-profit organizations participated in Future Fest. From Blaze Pizza to the Mary S. Roberts pet adoption center, the community was well-represented.
If you missed Future Fest, don’t worry. The city plans to have several events over the next year while preliminary work is being done to draft the updated plan. There are also ways to participate from home. Riverside has set up Riverside2050.com as a portal for residents to access event announcements and offer suggestions on everything from legislative priorities, land use preferences, and art submissions for public murals.
Democracy is more than voting in November. There are ways to participate in making the city you want to live in every day. Riverside is asking for your help. Let’s create the best Riverside we can have for 2050 and beyond.
La Sierra’s 16th annual event invites the community to dive into the wonders of Petra with expert talks, interactive exhibits, and a special introduction to new university president Christon Arthur.
