Overview
Downtown Dunedin currently funds projects and improvements through a Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), established in May 1988 in partnership with Pinellas County. Since its establishment, Downtown Dunedin has grown into a vibrant and lively coastal destination for residents and visitors alike. As the current Downtown CRA Master Plan is set to expire in 2033, the City of Dunedin has partnered with Forward Pinellas to support a Downtown Master Plan Update. Forward Pinellas serves as Pinellas County’s land use and transportation planning agency and provides technical assistance to local governments in Pinellas County to support local planning initiatives. The Downtown Master Plan was last updated in 2011 and today, the City’s Department of Economic & Housing Development is proactively preparing for the expiration of the CRA and asking the question: How can we continue to invest in our downtown beyond 2033?
The Downtown Dunedin Master Plan Update will build on the City’s existing plans and establish a vision, goals, projects, and implementation strategies to guide Downtown through and beyond the CRA’s expiration and support continued economic growth in Downtown.
“The updated master plan will guide Downtown Dunedin’s ongoing success, fulfilling the CRA’s long standing goal to create a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.”
Key Project Elements
The City of Dunedin has engaged Forward Pinellas to collaborate on this update, with Forward Pinellas managing the project through staff time and resources at no cost to the City. To assist with the update, the City of Dunedin and Forward Pinellas have each enlisted a consultant to provide technical expertise on specific project elements. Key elements of the project include:
- Existing Conditions Assessment
- Economic & Market Analysis (Consultant WTL+a hired to assist)
- Public & Stakeholder Engagement Input Sessions
- Implementation Strategy & Capital Improvements Program
- Downtown Dunedin Master Plan Update
Cost
Costs associated with the project are for consultants hired for specific elements of the project.
- To be paid by the City of Dunedin: $49,650
- To be paid by Forward Pinellas: $49,946
Project Timeline
- Fall 2026 - Existing conditions analysis and community/stakeholder engagement
- Winter 2026 - 2027 - Economic and market analysis, placemaking and urban design recommendations, updated goals and strategies
- Spring 2027 - Updated Capital Improvements Program
- Summer 2027 - Master Plan approval by City Commission
Important Dates
- October 26, 2026 - Community Workshop (6pm - 8pm at City Hall)
- November 4, 2026 - CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Work Session (4:00 p.m. at City Hall)
- January 21, 2026 – CRA Board (City Commission) Work Session