Downtown Sarasota has long been the heart of our community — a place where commerce, culture, and connection meet. The last time our city charted a comprehensive vision for its urban core was in the late 1990s, when renowned planner Andrés Duany crafted a 20-year master plan that guided growth, revitalization and investment. Now, in year 24 of that “20-year” plan, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. The Sarasota of today is vibrant and thriving — but it’s also facing challenges and opportunities that demand a fresh, forward-looking blueprint.

A master plan is more than a map of streets and buildings; it’s a shared agreement on who we want to be as a city. It determines how we balance economic growth with quality of life, how we protect our character while welcoming innovation, and how we ensure that our downtown is a place for everyone — residents, visitors and businesses alike.

As we consider the next generation of Sarasota’s downtown plan, one priority rises above the rest: housing affordability. Our business community consistently identifies the lack of attainable housing as one of the most significant obstacles to attracting and retaining talent. Without a range of housing options — including units priced for the workforce that powers our restaurants, hospitals, schools, and service industries — we risk creating a downtown that is beautiful but inaccessible to many who help it thrive.

Affordable housing doesn’t just serve the people who live there; it strengthens the entire economic ecosystem. A diverse housing mix means shorter commutes, less traffic congestion, and a more vibrant street life. It also ensures that downtown Sarasota reflects the rich diversity of the people who contribute to our community every day.

Next month, in September, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce will lead a delegation of community leaders to Delray Beach, Florida. The purpose: to meet with their policy makers, business leaders and city staff to learn firsthand about the strategies they’re using to shape their downtown and address challenges like housing, transportation, and economic vitality.

Delray Beach, known for its thriving main street and dynamic arts scene, has implemented creative solutions in urban planning, public spaces and economic development. While we go with open minds ready to learn, we also recognize that Sarasota has many strengths of its own — from our cultural assets and waterfront location to our collaborative civic spirit. This exchange is as much about identifying best practices we can adopt as it is about affirming and refining what we’re already doing well.

Creating a new master plan for downtown Sarasota is not the responsibility of City Hall alone. It’s a community effort that will require voices from every sector — business owners, residents, nonprofits, developers, and young professionals. The decisions made in the next plan will shape Sarasota’s downtown for the next generation.

We have the opportunity to craft a vision that is both aspirational and practical, one that protects our sense of place while embracing growth. Let’s ensure the Sarasota of tomorrow is a place where all can live, work, and belong.

Heather Kasten is the President/CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in Business Administration and an MBA from Webster University. She has served as President/CEO since 2019 and sits on the board of local and state organizations. Contact her at hkasten@sarasotachamber.com.  

Photo courtesy of Visit Sarasota.