APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The city of Appleton wants feedback from residents after releasing its 102-page plan for the next 10-20 years.
One word you’ll find 19 times in the plan is walkable — walkable downtown, walkable residential neighborhoods, walkable mixed-use centers.
“It’s a quality of life of enjoying, being able to go and walk to a green space, a natural space in our community,” said Lindsey Smith, Appleton’s principal planner.
Walkable neighborhoods benefit the aging population and help downtown shops and corner stores alike, according to the plan.
“The whole concept of the Northland Mall is a good idea because there’s a Festival Foods right there,” said Eric Hanson, an Appleton resident. “And when you have multiple businesses around there, like a coffee shop or a donut shop or something like that, people don’t have to drive.”
Plus, they allow more residents to be housed in a smaller area. Housing is once again the most pressing issue raised by the city and residents.
“Within this plan, we really emphasized updating our housing and our land-use section,” said Smith.
The city has a shortage of housing options and an excess of retail space. The city hopes to redevelop areas like the Northland Mall, Valley Fair and West College Avenue for housing and mixed-use development and the new walkable mixed-use centers.
Plans are still in the early stages. Overall, the city hopes that 160 rental units and 180 owner-model homes are built each year.
Background:
- Sept. 18, 2024: Plan for public participation; advisory committee formed and project kicked off
- Nov. 19, 2024: First public meeting
- March 18, 2025: Second public workshop
- August 28, 2025: Public open house
- An online worksheet available on Friday, Aug. 29 to share feedback
There’s far more to the plan, including managing utilities with expansion and diversifying transportation options. But before the plan is finalized, the city wants to hear from you.
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