Worcester’s Vision for the Future Earns Statewide Recognition

WORCESTER, Mass. – In a city where history and progress intertwine, Worcester has taken a monumental step forward. The City of Worcester Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) recently received the prestigious 2024 Comprehensive Plan Award for a large community from the American Planning Association – Massachusetts Chapter (APA-MA). This honor celebrates the department’s work on the Now | Next Long-Range Plan, a blueprint for Worcester’s future.

The Worcester Now | Next Plan was the result of a two-year, citywide planning process that engaged residents and stakeholders across a wide spectrum of critical issues, including land use, housing, economic opportunity, natural and cultural resources, open space and recreation, services and facilities, and transportation and mobility. This collaborative effort culminated in Worcester’s first Citywide Long-Range Plan in nearly 37 years—a historic achievement that bridges the city’s past, present, and future.

City Manager Eric D. Batista expressed pride in the recognition, saying, “We appreciate the APA-Massachusetts’ recognition of the Worcester Now | Next comprehensive planning effort. We know that modernizing zoning for the 21st century and connecting land-use with transportation will have significant benefits and is long overdue. I want to congratulate and thank the EOED for its hard work and continued advocacy of innovative planning efforts.”

The Plan serves as a roadmap for Worcester’s continued growth and evolution, touching every corner of the city—from its vibrant downtown to its diverse neighborhoods. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals, the Worcester Now | Next Plan sets the stage for future detailed studies and initiatives.

The APA Comprehensive Plan Award is no small honor. It recognizes plans, programs, or processes of exceptional merit across various planning areas, such as housing, transportation, economic development, and environmental conservation. The recognition underscores the significance of Worcester Now | Next as a model for comprehensive city planning.

This award not only highlights the dedication of the EOED but also signals a bright future for Worcester, where thoughtful planning and community collaboration pave the way for progress.

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