Future Of Worcester: Citywide Plans To Be Revealed Thursday

WORCESTER, MA — The future of Worcester arrives this week.

On Thursday, the Worcester Now | Next project will unveil a set of recommended policies that will shape transportation, zoning, parks, housing and economic development over the next decade.

The draft recommendations have been formed over the past year through a series of public meetings, surveys and workshops. The Worcester Now | Next project will conclude with a new master plan for the city — the first in almost 40 years.

"The plan will guide the future of Worcester’s built environment which impacts the economy, public transportation, and housing. It is important residents have a seat at the table to help the city prioritize its policymaking, projects and planning," City Manager Eric Batista said in a news release.

See some work from previous Now | Next sessions on the project's website.

On Thursday, the draft master plan recommendations will be unveiled at a meeting at the Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence St. The event begins at 5:30 p.m.

On April 12, officials will host a virtual workshop via Zoom. Participants will use tools like live polling, digital whiteboards and group dialogues to further shape the master plan priorities. Following the virtual workshop, Now | Next will take the master plan recommendations on the road for a series of listening sessions around the city between April and June.

If you have questions or want to participate in the Now | Next planning process, contact community organizer Guillermo Creamer, Jr. at nownext@utiledesign.com.