Question title

Question 1)
Which of the following describes you? Check all that apply.

Matthews Resident
86%
Matthews Commuter (For Work)
10%
Business Owner
8%
Government Staff (Local / State)
5%
Other
4%
Non-profit or Cultural Institution Leader or Representative
3%
Faith-Based Community Leader
1%
State or Local Elected / Appointed Leader
1%
Closed to responses | 779 Responses

Question title

Question 2)
How long have you lived in Matthews?

1-5 years
28%
11-20 years
17%
6-10 years
16%
21- 30 years
14%
30 years or more
9%
Less than 1 year
6%
I do not live in Matthews
5%
If you do not live in Matthews, where do you live? (City, State)
5%
Closed to responses | 774 Responses

Question title

Question 3)
What are the most effective ways you like to receive updates from the Town of Matthews?
(Select All That Apply)

Email (E-notifications)
66%
Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor)
57%
Website
29%
Text Updates
21%
In-person (meetings, events, etc.)
15%
Survey
5%
Other
3%
Phone Tree
0%
Closed to responses | 760 Responses

Question title

Question 4)
What is your preferred language?

English
100%
Other
0%
Español
0%
Closed to responses | 768 Responses

Envision Matthews Comprehensive Plan

The starting point for the Envision Matthews Comprehensive Plan is the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. Included in the Strategic Plan are 12 Vision Statements that serve as the Town’s key focus areas. With these in mind, we are asking for your input on how these relate to the Comprehensive Plan.

VISION 1: WELL-PLANNED, MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

A system of improved arterial roads helps divert non-local, commuter traffic away from downtown Matthews. Street improvements accommodate cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit services. The Silver Line extension of the light rail line provides many benefits to the community and is a welcomed alternative for commuters.

VISION 2: VIBRANT, PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY DOWNTOWN

Downtown Matthews is a true destination in the region, with a reputation for a variety of dining, entertainment options, and thriving local businesses. Pedestrian-friendly streetscapes create a safe and inviting environment. New mixed-use development in the downtown support merchants and add vibrancy to the community.

VISION 3: WALKABLE AND BIKEABLE COMMUNITY

Matthews is a true walkable and bikeable community. There is improved connectivity between neighborhoods
and developments with a well-integrated network of streets, sidewalks, bikeways, walking trails, and greenway
trails. This continuous system provides a multitude of transportation choices for residents.

VISION 4: SMALL TOWN FEELING AND IDENTITY
Matthews has kept its small-town identity and welcoming charm. Attractive landscaping, understated signage, and wide, shaded sidewalks create an inviting community. Many parks and open spaces are accessible within walking and biking distance from most parts of town. Town residents put a high value on the town's heritage and the preservation of historic buildings and landmarks throughout the community.

VISION 5: EXPANDED PARK AND OPEN SPACE SYSTEM

Matthews has steadily added to its parks and open spaces with an extensive system of greenway trails and multi-use paths connecting residents to schools, parks, and neighborhoods.

VISION 6: DESTINATION FOR ARTS AND CULTURE

Matthews is full of historic character, and an impressive offering of arts and entertainment options including festivals, art shows, concerts, and plays. It is this great variety of offerings that has given Matthews an outstanding reputation in the cultural and social landscape of the region.

VISION 7: QUALITY COMMUNITY-SERVING SCHOOLS

The Town of Matthews has worked cooperatively with various educational organizations to ensure that area schools remain community-oriented, appropriately funded, and inclusive.

Note that Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is responsible for siting, funding, and construction of all public schools in Matthews. The Town will continue to work cooperatively with all educational organizations.

VISION 8: PROPERLY MANAGED GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Town of Matthews offers a wide variety of housing types and values with walkable, distinctive, and attractive neighborhoods to help meet the housing needs of all residents. Town leaders have balanced the need for sustained economic development with concerns about over-development.

 VISION 9: DIVERSE COMMUNITY

Matthews is a place where people of various racial, ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds are equally accepted. This diversity is reflected in the membership of Town boards and committees.

VISION 10: COMMUNITY DEDICATED TO PUBLIC SAFETY

Matthews is a community of neighbors, business owners, police officers, firefighters, and other public safety personnel committed to working together for a safe and secure town.

VISION 11: TRANSPARENT GOVERNANCE AND ENGAGEMENT

The Town Board and various Town committees have no shortage of interested, qualified people willing to serve.

Town Commissioners operate in the spirit of transparency and routinely seek the views of their constituents on important decisions. The informed citizenry keeps up with timely and effective communication from the Town.

VISION 12: HEALTHY, SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

Matthews continues to lead the way in environmental best practices for the region. Tree preservation and a focus on native plant species throughout town have been beneficial to the environment in Matthews. Matthews’ walkable neighborhoods and an emphasis on connectivity have reduced dependency on cars.