Framework to guide the city’s investments for the next decade
For years, the City of Pensacola and its numerous collaborators has pursued ambitious urban projects, shaping a city full of energy and momentum. Yet, as Mayor D.C. Reeves puts it: “Until this moment, Pensacola has had no cohesive, overarching strategic plan for our city.” To change that, the City of Pensacola worked with Gehl to develop its first-ever strategic plan built on extensive community input.
Strive to Thrive: Pensacola 2035 looks ahead to the next ten years and serves as a guide for decision-making — ensuring strategic initiatives align with Pensacola’s broader goals and values. It sets priorities and holds interested parties accountable while providing a framework for evaluating future projects through the lens of equity, basic human needs, mixed-use hubs, and achievable outcomes.
Over the course of nine months, Gehl conducted policy analysis, in-person and digital community engagement, focus groups, and cross-sector workshops. The result is a people-centered plan that advances eight core goals: Housing, Mobility, Youth Experiences, Resilience, Mixed-use Hubs, Public Spaces, Economic Development, and Culture.
More than just a plan for urban design and policy, Strive to Thrive is a call to action — ensuring Pensacola’s growth is strategic, inclusive, and built to last.
