What Will Naples Look Like in 2045? City Invites Vision from Residents

Setting the Stage: Naples Planning for the Next 20 Years

Naples is now actively shaping a long-term vision: the Naples 2045 Comprehensive Plan. City leadership is in the early phases of drafting updated policies and wants residents to help guide how the city evolves over the next two decades.

The proposed plan will address pressing issues including environmental sensitivity, development pressure, infrastructure demands, and preserving the city’s character.

What’s on the Table

In its initial layout, the draft plan highlights several core focus areas:

• Resiliency & Environmental Protection — Balancing growth with preservation of coastal zones and natural systems.

• Managing Growth & Density — Determining where higher density is appropriate and where low-rise or preservation zones should remain.

• Affordability & Housing Trends — Accounting for shifting demographics like aging residents, larger households, and rising demand for rental units.

• Infrastructure & Mobility — Upgrading road networks, transit, parking, and circulation to cope with future population levels.

• Community Character & Design Identity — Encouraging aesthetic cohesion, architectural guidelines, and maintaining what makes Naples distinct.

City staff and planning consultants have noted expected demographic shifts: a decline in peak-season population, growth in year-round residents, and continued expansion of rental units.

Why This Matters

• Policy Backbone for Decisions: The 2045 plan will serve as the guiding document for zoning, capital projects, permitting, and strategic investments.

• Precedent Setting: How Naples resolves tension between growth and preservation will likely influence future proposals (e.g. mid-rise, infill, redevelopment).

• Resident Buy-In: Early resident engagement can prevent backlash later and align city moves with public expectations.

• Infrastructure Investment Planning: Early commitment on roads, utilities, and mobility can secure funding and prioritize long lead projects.

Community Input — Your Chance to Weigh In

Officials are now soliciting resident input through online tools and public engagement. Feedback will help refine choices before the plan moves to City Council for final approval.

Residents are encouraged to visit Naples2045.com to see draft materials and offer comments.

The plan is expected to be finalized by end of 2026.

Naples is at a crossroads. The 2045 plan represents more than just regulations — it’s a vision of how locals want their city to grow, feel, and function. For readers who care about preserving the balance between progress and character, this is a moment worth engaging in.