Woodson Terrace Comprehensive Plan: Background
OVERVIEW
Woodson Terrace is a great community to live, work, and raise a family. The City’s comprehensive plan will shape a shared vision for the next twenty years, guiding decisions on land use, infrastructure, economic development, housing, parks and recreation, and overall quality of life.
BENEFITS OF A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Plan Will Manage for Future Change
While the future is uncertain, the City can proactively plan and manage change. The planning team will analyze trends in demographics, workforce, mobility, housing, and economic development to position the City for resilience and adaptability in response to future challenges and opportunities.
The Plan Will Create a Shared Community Vision
Comprehensive plans provide an opportunity to build consensus on a shared community vision and priorities that will guide City decisions over the next 20 years. The planning team will use both traditional and online engagement methods to involve the community in shaping the future of Woodson Terrace, ensuring residents have multiple opportunities to participate in the planning process.
The Plan Will Help Plan for Investment
Many regional, state, and federal grant programs require communities to have a comprehensive plan in place to demonstrate thoughtful planning and strategic investment, making it easier to secure funding for projects. In addition, a current comprehensive plan helps provide confidence to existing and potential businesses to invest or expand in the City.
PLANNING PROCESS
The planning process began in Spring 2025 and will continue through Summer 2026. A community advisory committee will help guide the process, ensuring broad input from residents through open houses, surveys, small group meetings, a dedicated website, and social media engagement.
The plan will assess existing resources and challenges, consider future conditions and needs, and establish community goals and objectives. Key topics will include development and jobs, housing, demographics, transportation, land use, utilities, and community facilities and services.
Along with extensive community engagement, the final comprehensive plan will undergo a formal adoption process, including a public review period and approval by the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Aldermen.
COMMON QUESTIONS REGARDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
What is a Comprehensive Plan?
A comprehensive plan serves as a strategic guide for the community, shaping decisions - both large and small - over the next 20 years regarding future land use and the City’s physical development. It translates community values into specific actions, creating a blueprint for the future. Additionally, the comprehensive plan is closely integrated with other municipal documents and initiatives to ensure a cohesive approach to development, city services, and overall city decision-making.
Who is leading the Comprehensive Plan?
The City has appointed an Advisory Committee to help guide the planning process. This committee includes representatives from the Board of Aldermen, Planning and Zoning Commission, local businesses, and residents from across the City.
The planning team is led by the i5Group, in collaboration with the Saint Louis University Community Planning Lab and T2 Traffic & Transportation. Once completed, the final plan will be available for public review and comment before being reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Aldermen for adoption.
How long will the process last?
The planning process began in spring 2025 and is expected to take approximately 15 months, concluding in summer 2026.
How can I be involved in the process?
Great question! Public involvement is a vital part of this process. There will be multiple open houses for residents to attend, as well as an online community survey in late Spring 2025. Additionally, the planning team will engage with various community stakeholders and organizations. Visit www.OurFutureWoodsonTerrace.com to stay up-to-date.
What is the most important thing I can do to help?
The most important way you can help is by sharing your input and feedback throughout the process. You can also support the effort by spreading the word to family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.
How will the Comprehensive Plan be implemented?
The comprehensive plan is a strategic document, not a zoning ordinance, subdivision regulation, budget, or other regulatory document. It serves as the foundation for creating these documents. The plan outlines a vision for the community’s future growth and development, including how the community will look and function. At the vision and policy level, it acts as a blueprint for decision-making, guiding the City in future decisions.
How do I learn more about the Comprehensive Plan or review materials?
Visit www.OurFutureWoodsonTerrace.com to stay up to date on the plan. The website will include updates about the process, schedule, and materials to download as they become available. You can also contact City Administrator, Doug Zaiz at 314-427-2600 ext. 1668