What The 2026 Master Plan Is & Why It Matters

The Upper Arlington 2026 Master Plan establishes a long-range framework to guide land use, public investment, and policy decisions. Developed alongside updates to the Parks & Recreation Plan and Urban Forestry Plan, the planning process is grounded in community input and will identify priorities, evaluate local needs, and outline clear strategies to support neighborhoods, quality of life, and long-term resilience.

Process & Approach

The update to the Master Plan and Parks & Recreation Plan will take place over approximately 18 to 20 months and will be completed in five phases. The process is designed to balance technical analysis with meaningful community engagement, ensuring the plans are both visionary and practical. Together, the plans will address land use, housing, economic development, parks and recreation, mobility, and urban forestry as part of one coordinated, community-wide vision.

Phase I : Launch & Coordinate (January - June 2026)

This phase establishes the project foundation, including formation of a community Steering Committee, launch of public communications, and initial outreach efforts. It also includes a detailed review of existing conditions to inform both plans.

Phase II : Educate & Engage (July - October 2026)

During this phase, residents will be invited to participate through surveys and public meetings. Community input will help define shared values, identify priorities, and shape an early framework for future land use and investment.

Phase III: Collaborate & Envision (November - January 2027)

City staff, the Steering Committee, and the consultant team will work together in collaborative workshops to translate community input and analysis into a first draft of the Master Plan and Parks & Recreation Plan.

Phase IV: Synthesize & Refine (February - May 2027)

Draft plans will be shared with the community for feedback. Input from residents, including a second survey, will be used to refine recommendations, confirm priorities, and strengthen the plans in preparation for adoption.

Phase V: Finalize & Adopt (June - August 2027)

The final phase focuses on formal review and adoption of the plans. It also marks a moment to reflect on the process and celebrate the community vision that will guide Upper Arlington into the future.

Key Outcomes

The planning process will yield a unique, visionary outcome that surpasses a traditional paper plan. In various forms, it will be an actionable, living framework that facilitates ongoing implementation, progress tracking, and community impact. Below are the key outcomes that will emerge from the planning effort.

Master Plan Documents

Traditional, book-style documents that are visually engaging and easy to navigate, whether in print or online.

Online Interactive Plan Platform

A digital, interactive version of the plans, with dynamic maps, visualizations, and functionalities that make them a working tool.

Plan Documentary Film

Key elements of the process and recommendations will be shared through short videos and a documentary capturing the community’s journey from initial input to adopted plans.

The Team

The Upper Arlington 2026 Master Plan is a collaborative effort between City staff and a team of specialized consultants. Each partner brings expertise in planning, engagement, communications, and implementation to support a thoughtful, community-driven process. Click below to learn more about the consultant teams supporting this work.

  • OHM Advisors is a multidisciplinary planning, engineering, and architecture firm that provides integrated solutions to shape vibrant, resilient communities. With a local presence in Columbus, Ohio, OHM will serve as the lead consultant for the Upper Arlington 2026 Master Plan, guiding the overall planning process in close collaboration with city staff and project partners. OHM brings expertise in comprehensive planning, urban design, infrastructure, parks and recreation, and public engagement to coordinate project visioning, technical analysis, and implementation strategies. As project lead, OHM will manage the consultant team, integrate community input, and translate ideas into actionable recommendations that will support Upper Arlington’s long-term growth, sustainability, and quality of life. To learn more visit: https://www.ohm-advisors.com/

  • BerryDunn is a nationally recognized consulting firm focused on people and driven by outcomes. With a 50-year history, their mission has always centered around people. For the Upper Arlington 2026 Master Plan, BerryDunn will offer specialized expertise in parks and recreation. BerryDunn, in collaboration with the other consult teams, will assess existing assets, identify future needs, and develop practical, community-driven recommendations to enhance programs, facilities, and open spaces, and align with the city's long-term vision. To learn more visit: https://www.berrydunn.com/

  • CommunityScale is a national urban planning and analytics firm specializing in housing, land use, zoning modernization, and data-driven community development. CommunityScale brings deep expertise in housing needs assessments, zoning reform, and spatial data analysis, translating complex information into clear, actionable insights for communities and decision-makers. For the Upper Arlington 2026 Master Plan, CommunityScale will support the planning process through housing and market analysis, policy guidance, and scenario modeling to inform future land-use and development strategies. To learn more visit: https://communityscale.com/

  • Civic Uplift is a community-centered planning and engagement firm focused on elevating local voices and strengthening connections between people and place. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Civic Uplift will lead inclusive outreach and creative engagement strategies to ensure meaningful participation across diverse audiences. Throughout the planning process, Civic Uplift will help coordinate and facilitate public meetings, stakeholder conversations, and feedback tools that will empower residents to be apart of the planning process and help shape the future of Upper Arlington. To learn more visit https://civicuplift.org/

  • Brainstorm Media is a creative communications studio specializing in storytelling, branding, and digital engagement for community-focused projects. Located in Columbus, Ohio, Brainstorm will support the Master Plan by documenting the planning process through film and creating visual communication materials that make planning information accessible and engaging. Their work will translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives, supporting public awareness and participation throughout the planning process. To learn more visit: http://brainstormmediainc.com/

  • First + Main Films is a documentary film studio dedicated to capturing authentic community stories and experiences. For the Upper Arlington 2026 Master Plan, First + Main Films will collaborate closely with Brainstorm Media to produce documentary-style content that highlights Upper Arlington’s history, character, and future vision. Through thoughtful visual storytelling, the team will help bring the planning process to life, amplify community voices, and support clear, engaging communication that fosters public understanding and participation. To learn more visit : https://www.firstmainfilms.com/