At the forefront of the discussions was the Downtown West project, a strategic urban development initiative spanning a 13.5-acre parcel west of the existing downtown area. The project, which has been in the works since a 2006 land swap, aims to transform the area into a walkable, mixed-use neighborhood featuring both commercial and residential elements. The committee highlighted the role of community engagement in shaping the project’s vision, which included local events, public surveys, and community forums to gather input on development priorities.

Phase one of the Downtown West project is currently underway, with a focus on creating a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment. This phase emphasizes ground-floor retail to enhance walkability and includes integrated green spaces reflecting the city’s identity as the “City of Lakes and Parks.” A key component of this phase is the Olivine apartment building, a 145-unit market-rate structure, which opened that day. Additional infrastructure improvements, such as the extension of Stiger Lake Lane and public parking near a central green space, are also part of the initial phase.

Plans for phase two are progressing, with grading work currently underway and a request for proposals scheduled for late 2024. The city has tasked Victoria DW LLC with creating a master plan for this phase, which will prioritize the integration of small businesses and overall project readiness. The city council has expressed support for the project’s direction, particularly regarding the inclusion of additional retail and residential components. A final plat approved by the council includes four retail and commercial buildings, a mixed-use building, and two townhome condo structures.

Accessibility concerns were a point of discussion, particularly in relation to the renderings of Downtown West. The presence of steps without ramps raised questions about compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Ongoing discussions are addressing these issues, with plans to incorporate necessary ADA components into future designs. Ensuring walkability, safety, and accessibility for residents of all ages remains a priority for the project.

The potential impact of the Downtown West project on existing community events was also considered. The committee acknowledged the importance of supporting downtown businesses while exploring how events like the Victoria Car Show might integrate with the evolving downtown landscape. The need to create a cohesive downtown experience, where the new development feels like an extension of the existing area, was emphasized.

In line with enhancing community connectivity, the committee discussed a community connection series aimed at engaging older residents with local resources. This initiative will replace the previous senior expo format with a week-long series of activities and presentations in May 2026. The series is designed to better engage the community by focusing on program-oriented activities rather than vendor-centric events. Each day will feature specific themes, such as digital literacy, community safety, and functional fitness, with various presenters and activities planned.

The committee also addressed the need for effective outreach to promote the community connection series, particularly targeting surrounding assisted living facilities to ensure broad participation. Emphasis was placed on the importance of gathering feedback from attendees to shape future events and programming. The committee members discussed their roles as ambassadors for the city during the event, assisting attendees and collecting insights on their experiences.

Transportation emerged as a topic, with discussions on how to improve options for seniors attending community events. The committee explored potential partnerships with transportation companies and suggested utilizing services like Southwest Prime, WCAB, and Metro Transit. The idea of a circulator service operating during event days was proposed, with considerations for accessibility and activity levels of different resident groups.