LYNN — The city’s comprehensive plan is the city’s award-winning comprehensive plan – again. 

Vision Lynn, a comprehensive plan completed last year after 18 months of community engagement, research, and analysis, received the Unbuilt Planning & Design Honor Award from the Boston Society of Architects, the highest award in the category. This is the second award for the plan. Vision Lynn won the Visionary Award from the Congress for New Urbanism’s New England chapter in 2023.

The jury that selected the awards commented on the visual sophistication and content of the plan:

“The images for this plan are captivating and strongly highlight the moves from local engagement to envisioned future growth to perspectival experience of that growth. The narrative and application outline a strong understanding of the areas’ industrial, economic, transit, and natural resources.”

Vision Lynn covers a variety of important topics, including housing, education, economic development, public safety transportation, land use, open space, and arts and culture. There were many opportunities for public input, with more than 1,000 community members weighing in through surveys, interviews, and community events. 

“This comprehensive plan is a major step forward for the city, and we are very pleased to see it earn this recognition,” Mayor Jared Nicholson said. “We appreciate everyone, particularly our residents, who played an integral role in developing the plan and its direction through their input.” 

“This plan was a collaborative effort, and showcases the work of not only our consultants and city staff, but also our Vision Lynn Steering Committee and every community member, elected official, or business owner who met with us, took a survey, attended an event, or otherwise shared their insights with us,” Associate Planning Director Lauren Drago said. “I hope Lynn feels pride in the plan and the accolades it has earned.”

“Vision Lynn’s success stems from our dynamic collaboration with the City of Lynn, and its proactive community members. As consultants, it was important for us to craft a plan that not only resonated with the Lynn community but also instilled a sense of pride in its implementation,” Taskina Tareen, VL project manager at Utile, said.