The City of Savannah intends to update the 2011 Downtown Master Plan, and to help guide that process seeks to submit an application to the 2018 Renaissance Strategic Visioning and Planning (RSVP) program, administered by the Georgia Municipal Association, Georgia Cities Foundation, and Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Communities selected to participate in the program will work with University of Georgia staff to create a vision and development strategy for each city's downtown revitalization efforts. At the conclusion of the strategic visioning process, a final report with phased implementation recommendations will be presented to each city, and two communities will be selected from the application process to participate in the RSVP Program during 2018.

The Downtown Master Plan was commissioned by the Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) with support from the City of Savannah to define a community vision, and frame design principles and land-use and development strategies for strategic public and private investments. The goal is to foster smart growth and diversity in Savannah’s downtown business and neighborhood core, while protecting its unique attributes.

By updating the Downtown Master Plan, the community will revisit the vision, update the plan’s strategies, and expand the boundaries outside of the National Historic Landmark District to include surrounding neighborhoods and expansion areas. Community organizations have expressed an interested in participating in this effort.

The RSVP Program will meet strategic goals in the areas of public safety, neighborhood revitalization and economic strength and poverty reduction as outlined in the City's strategic plan, Savannah Forward. 

Approval