Phoenix Shares Vision for the Rio Salado District, Seeks Public Input on Draft Plans

The City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department released a draft Rio Salado District Policy Plan and RIO PHX Design Guidelines as part of the City’s ongoing RIO PHX effort, which supports long-term planning and investment along the Rio Salado. Residents are encouraged to review the draft materials and share comments during the public review period.

RIO PHX is the City’s coordinated effort to advance the regional Rio Reimagined vision, which aims to restore, connect, and activate the Salt River and Gila River corridors. The Rio Salado area has been a focus for many years because of its unique potential to support economic development, improve environmental conditions, and create new public spaces near the river. The district sits just south of downtown Phoenix and includes neighborhoods, businesses, and industrial areas that are expected to see continued growth and redevelopment.

The draft Rio Salado District Policy Plan provides a framework to guide future development in the district. It outlines goals and strategies to support economic activity, improve mobility, and encourage high-quality design. The plan includes proposed changes to the City’s General Plan Land Use Map to align future land use decisions with the recommendations in the draft.

The RIO PHX Design Guidelines accompany the policy plan and offer direction for consistent, high-quality design throughout the corridor. They are intended to support property owners, developers, and designers as they plan new projects or redevelopment efforts.

Residents may share comments on the draft plan and design guidelines by completing the feedback form or emailing the RIO PHX team at pdd.longrange@phoenix.gov. Comments will be accepted through June 10, 2026.

For more information and updates, visit phoenix.gov/pdd/riophx.