CENTRAL CITY  - The Central City Downtown Development Authority is considering contributing $40,000 toward the next phase of the City’s comprehensive master plan, a document focused on guiding economic development, infrastructure improvements, and historic preservation.

During a March 18 meeting at City Hall, City Manager Daniel Miera and Planning and Community Services Director Jeff Noffsinger briefed the DDA board on a proposed four-party agreement. 

The deal would include financial commitments from the City, the Business Improvement District, a bondholder representative, and the DDA to help fund Phase B of the planning process.

While no formal vote was taken, board members expressed general support for moving the agreement forward.

Economic stagnation cited

Miera presented financial data showing that despite the legalization of limited-stakes gaming more than 30 years ago, Central City’s adjusted gross proceeds have remained nearly flat—from $78.6 million in 1993 to $78.9 million in 2024. Inflation and costs over that same period have increased by approximately 95%.

He added that the assessed valuation in the Business Improvement District dropped from $32 million in 2008 to $20 million in 2025.

“These are indicators that there is a need for more economic activity,” Miera said. “The question is how to attract that development in a way that supports the City’s long-term goals.”

He said that development should complement the city’s historic character, noting a recent fire in a vacant building as a reminder of the risks empty properties pose.

Next phase encourages community input

Noffsinger said the City’s current comprehensive plan, last updated in 2017, is no longer adequate given recent economic and demographic shifts.

He said Phase B will focus on community outreach, infrastructure mapping, and proposed updates to the City’s land use code. The plan will examine areas of growth and redevelopment, including Gregory Gulch and Quartz Hill. Transportation, affordable housing, and historic design standards will also be addressed.

“This is a legally binding document,” Noffsinger said. “Any zoning or development decisions must be tied back to the comprehensive plan.”

He added that design guidelines and 3D visualizations may be used to help the public and potential developers better understand what future projects might look like. The planning process will also evaluate the city's water and sewer capacity to prepare for growth.

Board members asked questions about the scope of work and available funding. The DDA currently has $20,000 budgeted for programming in 2025. Miera said doubling that allocation to $40,000 would still leave the Board with more than $81,000 in reserve.

Grant funding and future steps

Noffsinger said state grants may be available to help fund the project, especially if it includes strategies for affordable housing and sustainable growth.

Board members Steve Boulter and Eric Langan supported moving forward but expressed interest in reviewing the full scope of work before committing funds.

Miera said the City plans to return to the DDA on April 15 with a finalized agreement and a proposed budget amendment.

In closing, Boulter announced that the City had partnered with EarthCam to install a live-streaming camera on Main Street. The camera is expected to go live later this month and will offer 24/7 views of the city center.