Looking Ahead: UDP Adopts Its 2024-2029 Strategic Plan

March 10, 2025

Last fall, the U District Partnership Board of Directors adopted a new five-year strategic plan, along with an updated mission and vision for the organization. Both were approved unanimously at our October board meeting, capping off months of listening, discussion, and planning. As we settle into 2025, we wanted to share more about that process and what it means for the neighborhood in the years ahead.

Over four months, UDP staff and leadership set out to hear directly from the people who make up the U District: students, business owners, property managers, residents, employees, and visitors. Through online and in-person surveys, one-on-one interviews, and focus groups, we heard from close to 500 people connected to the neighborhood.

That input shaped every part of the plan. We’re grateful to the board members who guided the process from start to finish, and to everyone who took the time to share what they wanted to see in the U District’s future.

The strategic plan lays out eight goal areas that will guide UDP’s work through 2029, centered on the core program areas of the organization:

1. Deliver daily cleaning and maintenance services to build the U District’s reputation as a clean, attractive, and vibrant neighborhood.
2. Deliver a range of advocacy and services to improve safety perceptions and outcomes in the U District while reducing the impact of people suffering from unaddressed behavioral health issues.
3. Enhance the vibrancy of the U District’s public realm through activation, physical improvements, and long-range planning.
4. Strengthen the U District’s ground-floor economy to ensure a vibrant commercial district while telling the story of the U District’s prosperity.
5. Support U District arts and culture organizations while growing the neighborhood’s brand as an arts and culture destination.
6. Elevate awareness of the U District and the U District Partnership through marketing and communication channels.
7. Produce high-quality events that attract visitors and highlight the unique and positive attributes of the U District.
8. Provide professional management of the organization to ensure responsive and efficient delivery of services for the BIA and U District.

Each priority comes with specific strategies, timelines, and measures of success, so the community can track our progress along the way. We’ll be reporting back on that progress regularly.

Read The 5-Year Strategic Plan

 

Alongside the strategic plan, the board also adopted an updated mission and vision for UDP. Both were shaped at a board retreat in September and reflect where the organization is headed as it takes on a growing role in the neighborhood.

Read UDP’s Mission, Vision & Values

This plan sets a clear direction, but it’s meant to evolve alongside the neighborhood. UDP will check in on progress annually.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, ideas, and perspective to this process. We’re excited for what’s ahead for the U District.