The Town has launched a public planning process to update its future vision for planning and development in Arlington.

The current plan was adopted in 2015 and much has changed since then. The comprehensive plan (formerly called the master plan) will serve as a guide for land use and development decisions and will include a ten-year implementation strategy to achieve that vision.

Arlington's Revised Vision and Goals!

The vision statement is an aspirational description of what Arlington will be like in ten years. The goals are organized by the topic elements of the comprehensive plan. Together, these will inform detailed strategies that explain how the Town will make progress towards its vision and goals.

A Vision for Arlington:

Arlington will be a welcoming place with attainable housing options, flourishing business districts, and a strong sense of community. Key features will include:

  • A variety of attainable housing options for all income levels and stages of life
  • Thriving business districts with a range of job opportunities
  • Inviting, safe streets for all users that link neighborhoods
  • Natural systems and open spaces in ecological balance
  • Stewardship and promotion of our historic heritage
  • Cultural and recreational resources that provide shared experiences
  • New development and redevelopment that enhances sustainability and resilience
  • A shared interest in civic engagement and the Town’s fiscal health

DRAFT Comprehensive Plan Goals:

  • Preserve and improve the Town’s fiscal stability
  • Increase the amount and variety of residential and non-residential development opportunities
  • Encourage development that enhances Arlington’s natural resources, built environment, and sustainability
  • Attract development that supports and expands the economic, cultural, and civic vibrancy of Arlington’s commercial areas
  • Increase safety for all roadway users by enhancing pedestrian, bicycle, and transit access
  • Manage traffic operations to improve safety, balance local and through trips, and address the needs of all roadway users
  • Actively manage the supply of parking to support businesses, neighborhoods, and new development
  • Encourage mixed-use development that includes attainable housing options at all income levels, especially near transit and in established commercial areas
  • Provide a variety of housing options for a range of incomes, ages, family sizes, and needs
  • Enhance the fabric of Arlington’s residential neighborhoods while allowing new housing and amenities
  • Encourage sustainable new construction and renovation of existing structures
  • Improve regulatory processes to benefit small, independent businesses
  • Increase the buildout potential and value of commercial and industrial properties
  • Promote Arlington’s historic and cultural assets to support visitor-based economic development
  • Improve the customer experience through streetscape improvements, wayfinding, parking, and access upgrades
  • Create and support organizational capacity related to economic development
  • Preserve and promote historic and diverse cultural resources in all neighborhoods
  • Provide space for arts and cultural activities for all ages
  • Provide a variety of attractive, well-maintained public spaces
  • Use sustainable and resilient approaches to improve air and water quality, mitigate flooding impacts, and enhance ecological diversity
  • Ensure that Arlington’s neighborhoods, commercial areas, and infrastructure are developed and maintained to build resilience and mitigate climate change impacts
  • Protect and enhance the physical beauty and natural resources of Arlington
  • Improve open spaces, parks, recreational facilities, and programming to meet the population’s changing needs
  • Coordinate and efficiently deliver Town services
  • Build, operate, and maintain public facilities that are attractive, minimize environmental impact, and help connect Arlington as a community
  • Direct public facility investments through a long-term capital planning process that anticipates future needs
  • Maintain and beautify our public parks, trails, play areas, and streetscapes
  • Support Arlington Public Schools and enhance educational opportunities for all

About the Arlington Comprehensive Plan

Arlington’s current Master Plan, “Your Town, Your Future”, sets forth a planning and development vision for the town, as well as implementation steps and goals resulting from that vision. The Master Plan was adopted by the Arlington Redevelopment Board and endorsed by Town Meeting in spring 2015.

Municipalities are required by the Commonwealth to develop a Master Plan which provides policy guidance for long-range planning (MGL Chp 41 Sect 81D). Also known as a Comprehensive Plan, required topics include land use, housing, transportation, economic development, natural and cultural resources, open space and recreation, services and facilities, and an implementation plan.