Preparing for the future now
E
arlier this year, the city began an 18-month process
to create a new long-term plan designed to proactively
manage area growth and change. The plan – called
a Comprehensive Plan – is being developed with extensive
citizen participation and input. In February, City Council
appointed 15 community members to serve on a steering
committee to oversee development of the plan.
When completed, it will serve as a policy foundation for the
city’s decision-making over the next 15-20 years. It will also
serve as the city’s “to-do” list for a citywide action program
and priorities that will be implemented over time to achieve
the community’s vision.
Citizens input kicks off plan development
At a kick-off meeting in May, close to 100 citizens came
out to voice their opinions about what Wilmington’s future
should look like. Some of the most common elements voiced
by citizens were:
•
•
•
•
•
Safe streets for pedestrians and bikes
A downtown waterfront park
Good mass transit system
Responsible redevelopment
Opportunities for seniors to age in place
Did you know....
• ilmington will grow by more than 50,000 people over the
W
next 25 years.
• here are only 3,700 acres of buildable land left inside
T
Wilmington’s city limits.
• he number of people in Wilmington who are 55 and older
T
will increase over the next several years, as will the number
of renters.
Wilmington expected to grow by 56,000 people in 27 years
180,000
160,000
140,000
120,000
100,000
90,000
Future
Growth
60,000
40,000
20,000
Millenials, Baby Boomers biggest age groups in Wilmington
A look at socionomic, demographic changes
At a follow-up meeting in September, citizens heard about
approaching demographic and socioeconomic statistics and
were asked for input about how the city should deal with those
changes. The statistics are included in an in-depth report
prepared by the city as part of development of the plan.
In addition, meetings are now being held in more than
12 planning areas throughout the city, giving residents the
opportunity to share their vision of their community’s future.
The full report and calendar for upcoming meetings can
be found at:
2%
Greatest Generation (85+)
12%
15%
Silent Generation (65-85)
Baby Boomers (45-65)
24%
29%
Generation X (30-45)
Generation Y / Millennials (15-30)
18%
Generation Z (1-15)
createwilmington.com
W W W. W I L M I N G T O N N C . G O V