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2024 Downtown Norfolk Strategic Plan Update

Visionary, Resilient, Inclusive

WHAT'S NEXT FOR DNC

The strategic plan presents a refreshed organizational structure for DNC that includes a set of Strategic Plan guiding principles, a revised organizational mission, internal core values, and that is focused around four goals.

REVISED DNC MISSION

DNC enhances Downtown Norfolk’s value, energy, and activity through providing essential clean and safe services, strengthening authentic urban experiences, and fostering inclusive community.

GOALS & STRATEGIES

GOAL 1: BE THE LEADING VOICE AND ADVOCATE FOR DOWNTOWN NORFOLK​

STRATEGIES:​

  1. Ensure DNC has an influential impact in decisions affecting Downtown.​
  2. Enhance communication of DNC’s value proposition to Downtown stakeholders, DNC members, and the broader Norfolk community.​
  3. Assure the DNC organization is inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the greater Downtown community.
  4. Increase DNC membership and existing member engagement.​

GOAL 2: ENSURE DOWNTOWN IS CLEAN AND SAFE​

STRATEGIES:​

  1. Focus on optimizing DNC’s clean and safe program, including employing national best practices.
  2. Establish a storefront presence for the clean and safe team. ​
  3. Work with the Norfolk Police Department to ensure adequate, consistent coverage for Downtown. ​

GOAL 3: DRIVE ECONOMIC VITALITY AND GROUND FLOOR ACTIVATION​

​STRATEGIES:​

  1. Retain and attract additional cultural, entertainment, restaurant, and nighttime economy uses to create a more vital Downtown. ​
  2. Support Downtown’s office market.​
  3. Strengthen, support, advocate for, and promote a diverse and equitable Downtown business community. ​
  4. Continue to support the transformation of Downtown into a mixed-use neighborhood.. ​

GOAL 4: PROMOTE AND MARKET DOWNTOWN NORFOLK AS A DESTINATION FOR THE REGION AND BEYOND​

​STRATEGIES:​

  1. Focus on small-scale public realm activation and promotions that drive foot traffic to Downtown, and ultimately to Downtown businesses. ​
  2. Embrace arts and entertainment through partnerships with cultural organizations and community partners.​
  3. Continue marketing Downtown and its unique character districts.​
  4. Rebrand the DNC organization to better reflect its revised mission.​
  5. Provide regular updates to the City and regional leaders to build a shared understanding that a successful Downtown drives prosperity for ALL neighborhoods and residents.