Envision Matthews:

Town of Matthews Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Plan

Background

The Town of Matthews began developing a Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Plan in 2023. This project was called Envision Matthews. The plan was designed to guide development in the Town of Matthews, North Carolina, for the next decade. These plans would provide a roadmap for growth and strategies to implement the community's vision for the future.

Challenges

Gathering widely diverse viewpoints on big issues like the future of parks, roads, areas of commerce, and residential planning in a small town with a very engaged populace. Increasing participation from historically disenfranchised communities and residents.

What We Did

Civility Localized helped develop a public survey to gather detailed input from area residents. Our team of certified public engagement specialists also designed an interactive web portal featuring access to the survey, as well as more information to educate and update the public. Leveraging technology to reach underserved portions of the community allowed us to track demographic data in real time and adjust our in-person pop-up event schedule to better reach those off-line. We designed, translated, and printed materials for use at in-person events and staffed tables at pop-up events, interacting with the public to educate and engage them.