Dunedin and Forward Pinellas are updating the city’s downtown master plan ahead of the Community Redevelopment Area’s planned 2033 expiration. The current plan was last updated in 2011.

Why the update matters

Downtown Dunedin’s CRA was established with Pinellas County in 1988, and the current master plan is set to expire in 2033. The city’s project page lists consultant costs of $49,650 for Dunedin and $49,946 for Forward Pinellas; the county planning agency is also providing staff time and resources at no cost to the city.

The update will include public input, design charrettes, meetings with merchants and data analysis, according to the budget workshop discussion.

What happens after 2033

Ironsmith told commissioners the expectation is for the CRA to continue past 2033, though possibly without the county component. He said a city-initiated CRA and a city revenue source for downtown may be needed to keep the area strong after the current program's sunset.

He also noted CRA revenue would drop by about $150,000 in fiscal year 2028 and between $250,000 and $270,000 in fiscal year 2029. New developments such as the Main Street Exchange could offset some of that decline, he said.

The Forward Pinellas board had approval of the scope and fee for the downtown master plan update on its Oct. 14 meeting agenda. The outcome of that vote could not be confirmed from available records.

The Oct. 26 workshop listed in the city’s original notice has passed. Dunedin says it will post materials and updates on its Downtown Master Plan: Beyond 2033 project page, where residents can follow the work and submit questions.