It’s been just over a year since Imagine Downtown launched — bringing together hundreds of voices to reimagine what Downtown Duluth can be. From walking tours to community conversations, residents shared their hopes and ideas for a more vibrant, welcoming, and connected city center. Now, that vision is ready to take shape.

Get the highlights of the Imagine Downtown 5-Year Work Plan — the community’s shared vision, top priorities, and key strategies shaping the future of Downtown Duluth. Read the Executive Summary here.

Explore the full Imagine Downtown 5-Year Work Plan, including data, community input, focus area strategies, and the Catalytic Projects designed to bring the vision to life. Dive into the full plan here.

the Plan is here!

The Imagine Downtown 5-Year Work Plan has officially been unveiled— a roadmap for revitalizing Downtown through shared priorities, strategic action, and community energy.

Engagement Snapshot

18+ focus groups, interviews, and walking tours
1,529 online survey responses
51 ambassador workshop questionnaire responses
5 steering committee meetings
3 community open houses

What have we been working on?

Imagine Downtown is a 5-year action plan for Downtown Duluth. The Plan focuses on four core elements that will guide Downtown’s next chapter:

Quality of Life & Safety
Housing & Economic Development
Neighborhood Amenities & Services
Infrastructure

Each core element includes strategies — both short- and long-term — to make Downtown safer, livelier, and more inclusive. The plan also introduces six distinct Downtown Focus Areas, each with its own identity that collectively makes a vibrant and welcoming downtown. Tailored recommendations and several Catalytic Projects are proposed – intended to be high-impact, visible investments capable of sparking further development.

Imagine Downtown brings together community partners dedicated to shaping a downtown where everyone feels at home — to live, work, play, and connect.