IMAGINE WINSTON-SALEM
Imagine Winston-Salem is a planning process sponsored by the Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. and Visit Winston-Salem, in partnership with the Winston-Salem Foundation. The process will create a strategic action plan for the community with an emphasis on connecting community assets and strengthening the city’s role as a destination. The results will support our growing economy, guide future community investments, and create a thriving place for people to live, work, and visit. A central component of the Strategic Action Plan is understanding how people currently experience Winston- Salem and identifying what additions may make their experiences more complete. Tourism, arts and culture, higher education, innovation, and quality of place all play an important role in shaping the city’s economy and identity. The plan examines how these assets interact with housing, workforce trends, industry, and infrastructure to achieve our community vision and goals.
Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. is developing a Strategic Action Plan, it is a community-driven roadmap that will outline priorities and actions to strengthen Winston-Salem’s future. Part of this plan includes understanding and expanding the community’s role as a destination for visitors, ensuring that tourism continues to grow as a key economic engine.
How the Plan Will Be Created
Over the next year, we will:
- Engage residents, businesses, organizations, and local leaders
- Review past and current data, plans, and trends
- Identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities across key topics
- Develop actionable strategies and investments
- Create a clear implementation plan that supports real progress
What the Plan Will Cover
The Strategic Action Plan will explore:
- Community and economic conditions
- Local assets and opportunities
- Tourism and destination development
- Themes shaping Winston-Salem’s future
- Placemaking and connectivity
- An action table outlining priorities, timelines, partners, and resources
The timing of this plan isn’t by accident. We’re at a critical crossroad where the decisions of today will have a lasting impact. This timing also coincides with:
- Shifts in our local economy (from manufacturing to service and technology)
- Increasing and changing challenges (for families and our workforce)
- Opportunities for tourism to play a greater role in our community vibrancy
- New generation of leadership in our industries and institutions
What will be the outcome of the Imagine Winston-Salem Strategic Plan?
The plan will produce a unified strategy that supports economic development, enhances Winston-Salem’s destinations, and improves the overall experience for residents and visitors. It will identify key opportunities, outline priority actions, and provide a clear implementation structure for advancing the City's long-term goals.
How will the community be involved?
The community will be involved throughout the planning process through surveys, listening sessions, stakeholder meetings, workshops, and public events. Residents, businesses, institutions, and community organizations will have multiple opportunities to share ideas and help shape the priorities in the final Strategic Plan.
How does tourism fit into the Imagine Winston-Salem Strategic Plan?
The plan will evaluate the City's current visitor experience, identify strengths and gaps in its destination offerings, and highlight opportunities to evaluate arts, culture, events, attractions, and hospitality assets. Insights from tourism partners and industry stakeholders will help shape strategies that strengthen Winston-Salem's position as a distinctive place to visit, explore, and return to.
Imagine Winston-Salem Strategic Action Plan Foundations Report
