DDA Plan of Development earns national planning award
Published on April 15, 2025
The Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority and City of Cheyenne have been honored with a national planning award for the Downtown Plan of Development.
The Vernon Dienes Award for Comprehensive Plan for a Small Jurisdiction was given by the American Planning Association’s (APA) Small Town and Rural Planning Division during the APA’s annual National Planning Conference in Denver, Colorado. This recognition underscores the DDA’s commitment to continuing to make progress on key Downtown projects.
The plan, unanimously adopted by the DDA Board and Planning Commission in January 2025, “stands as a model of successful collaboration and focus on actionable steps toward long-term goals,” the APA said. “The plan exemplifies how a community, through the establishment of shared values, can unite to create a visionary roadmap for its future that is rooted in reality.”
The Downtown Plan of Development was created in collaboration with city officials, business owners, and community stakeholders. It outlines key priorities to enhance economic growth, infrastructure, and the overall vibrancy of the area over the short and long term.
“This plan was created by the DDA to direct them as to how to improve Downtown Cheyenne,” said Charles Bloom, Planning and Development director for the City. “It provides a refined and actionable framework to guide future development and continued revitalization efforts.”
Key components of the plan include:
- Economic and Cultural Development – Supporting business retention, fostering artistic and cultural initiatives, and leveraging Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to drive private investment.
- Infrastructure and Land Use – Encouraging mixed-use development, streamlining zoning processes, and enhancing urban renewal efforts.
- Transportation and Parking – Expanding multi-modal transit options, improving pedestrian and bike connections, and optimizing parking management.
- Building and Street Character – Promoting historic preservation, updating streetscape amenities, and implementing design standards for new development.
- Project Implementation & Funding – Establishing partnerships with local organizations and identifying funding sources, including federal grants and local investments.
According to the awards review committee, the Cheyenne DDA Plan of Development was worthy of the APA award because it excels in Smart Growth principles. Award nominations were reviewed based on criteria that included innovation, quality, measurable results and implementation, role of elected officials, transferability, collaboration/public involvement, long term sustainability and/or use of Smart Growth principles.
The Plan of Development was created by DDA, the City, and consulting firm Logan Simpson over a period of 18 months. It consolidates and updates past plans and amendments and incorporates new ideas and initiatives identified through public outreach sessions. Public outreach included several online feedback opportunities, several work sessions with stakeholders, staff presence at in-person events Downtown, and DDA board meetings.
The DDA board established a task force charged with reviewing and guiding the plan. This task force was comprised of Scott Roybal, Dave Teubner, Danica Mrozinsky, and Brian Bau, as well as City and DDA staff. The task force met numerous times to assist with finalization of the plan, its goals, and implementation matrix.
The DDA Plan of Development proceeded through its final adoption hearings with City Council in mid-February 2025.
To see the Plan of Development in its final format, visit www.cheyennecity.org/dda.
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Photo Attached. Pictured from left to right are Mark Staples, STaR Division (Small Town and Rural Planning Division of the APA); Bruce Meighen and Melissa Ruth, Logan Simpson consultants; Charles Bloom, Planning and Development Director; and John Shepard, STaR Division.