This website has been developed for the residents of the New Bedford and others interested in the development and implementation of New Bedford’s Master Plan. Use the links at left to get more detailed information about the Plan and its development process.

What is a Master Plan?

A Community Master Plan:

• tells a community what it looks like today and what direction it has decided it wants to go for the future; it includes assessments of existing resources and issues, projections of future conditions and needs, and consideration of collective goals and desires
• is a policy guide and provides a framework for the physical development of the municipality. While the emphasis is on buildings and infrastructure, it does not ignore the important social and economic values of the community. The master plan is a method of translating the community's values into specific actions
• covers a time frame of about 10–15 years; it is assumed that shorter-term reviews will keep it current with the changing needs of the community
• is closely integrated with other municipal planning documents and initiatives, for example the Open Space & Recreation Plan and the Downtown Development Plan.

For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

How do I get involved?

• Attend an upcoming Master Plan meeting and/or event.
• Send us your input and feedback using our public comment form.