Council adopts Southeast Strong neighborhood plan after years of community input

The City Council adopted the Southeast Strong Neighborhood Plan on July 28 after presentations from city planning staff and several community leaders.

Planning staff described the plan as an outgrowth of Plan COS neighborhood planning, involving a steering committee and multiple departments; the presentation noted roughly $350 million in known city investment in the area over the last eight to ten years. Staff described the plan as advisory—guiding future city investments in parks, trails, roads, sidewalks, housing and public safety—and said annual or biannual reporting will establish measurable outcomes.

Residents who helped develop the plan urged approval. Renee Gonzalez, a resident leader with RISE Southeast, said the document “reflects the voices of the people who live, work, and care about Southeast,” and asked council to continue investing in safety, parks and local businesses. Joyce Salazar, executive director of RISE Southeast, thanked council for passing the plan and said the community will continue to lead implementation. Council members asked that staff return with measurable targets and a one‑year review of early results.

The plan passed the council and staff committed to follow‑up reporting to track outcomes and investments.