City Adopts Framework Plan as Guide for Future of Tuscaloosa

After two and a half years, the City of Tuscaloosa has adopted its new comprehensive land-use plan, known as Framework, that will set a course for the future of development, housing and transportation.

This plan was first proposed back in 2018 as a strategic guide that would frame decisions and establish a long-term vision for developing living options, improving transportation and offering new community services. A city-wide comprehensive plan hasn't been adopted since 1972.

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"This is an exciting milestone for the City," said Ashley Crites, Director of Planning for the City of Tuscaloosa. "Broader than just a land-use plan, Framework speaks to how our community will grow."

The original 30-member steering committee in 2018 began working with city staff as well as a consulting team. Over 40 local groups were recruited to identify areas of priority in the community. Around 300 residents participated in the initial engagement event, and more than 450 people participated in the open house later on to discuss the first draft of Framework.

"During this process, our team has worked very hard to get input from community members and local business leaders that will allow Tuscaloosa to plan for positive future growth for years to come,” Mayor Walt Maddox said. "In order to remain competitive with other cities throughout the United States, we need to elevate our City to the next level. Framework is the vehicle that is going to get us there."

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously adopted the final version of the plan on Feb. 17.

The next step will be to implement the plan, said Crites. Both the zoning ordinance and the subdivision regulations will be updated through Framework, and the city council will ultimately vote on the adoption of those updates later down the line.

To learn more about Framework, review the plan and watch the adoption hearing online.