The Southeast Greenway Moves From Vision to Planning
We’re excited to share a major milestone in the journey of the Southeast Greenway: the City of Santa Rosa has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consulting team to develop the park’s Master Plan. This is a big step forward in shaping the future of this 2-mile urban greenway that will connect Farmers Lane to Spring Lake and serve as a key corridor for walking, biking, nature, and community life in our city.
What is an RFP?
An RFP, or Request for Proposal, is how a public agency like the City asks qualified consulting firms to submit ideas and plans for a project — in this case, the Greenway’s Master Plan. It’s the first key step toward choosing a team that will help guide how the park will be designed and developed over time.
What will the Master Plan do?
A Master Plan is a big-picture roadmap: it will gather community input, describe priorities for trails, open space, habitat restoration, and amenities, and recommend how the Greenway can support safe, active transportation and welcoming public space for all. It will help guide the many decisions that come next — from how paths are aligned to where picnic spots or gardens might go — while balancing access, recreation, ecological restoration, and long-term sustainability.
How will the Community be Involved?
Responses to the RFP are due to the City by February 19, 2026. Consultant interviews are anticipated in March, with contract approval by the Santa Rosa City Council in May 2026. Provided there are no major delays in the consultant selection process, community outreach and engagement to inform the plan is expected to begin in July 2026 and continue through the spring of 2027.
This marks the start of an exciting phase where community voices will help shape the Greenway’s future. We expect this planning process to unfold over the next couple of years, and we will share ways for everyone to get involved as they arise. Stay tuned!
Photo: City prepares for Master Plan by marking property boundaries along the Southeast Greenway.