Smart Growth for the Future

Published on October 01, 2023

Population Growth

Dunedin has an easy-going lifestyle that has lured people for decades from around the world. The City offers a unique arts and culture scene, a lively downtown, and waterfront views and access for recreation. As Dunedin continues to reap the benefits of its successful vibrant community, it is no doubt that Dunedin is experiencing the effects of growth that is happening throughout Pinellas County. According the US Census data between the years of 2010-2020, Dunedin’s permanent population has risen 2% from 35,321 to 36,068. In comparison, Pinellas County’s permanent population has risen 4.4% from 916,542 to 959,107. Tourism numbers have also grown in 2021 as evidenced by the Visit St. Pete Clearwater data. It is anticipated that the County will continue to grow. In continuing collaboration with Pinellas County, City staff will work to address the impacts of population growth and the increase of tourism through our policies and strategic plans.

Vision for Smart Growth

Recognizing that Dunedin is a built-out community with very little vacant land available for development, the City establishes its Future Land Use policies in the  “Strive for 2035 Comprehensive Plan”. The Future Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan speaks to the vision and goal for Smart Growth. The goal for Smart Growth is to provide a sustainable community that enhance the quality of life, protect natural resources, and provide an efficient land development pattern to mitigate the adverse impact of population growth. There are ten Smart Growth Principles that can guide Dunedin to a sustainable community and improve the quality of life for its citizens:

  • Mix land uses;
  • Take advantage of compact building design;
  • Create a range of housing opportunities and choices;
  • Create walkable neighborhoods, including the Downtown;
  • Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place;
  • Preserve open space, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas;
  • Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities;
  • Provide a variety of transportation choices;
  • Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective; and
  • Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions.

These principles are applied to the goals, objectives and policies of the City’s Comprehensive Plan to help promote and preserve Dunedin’s unique development patterns by establishing support for the preservation of natural resources and provide a sense of place that values the City’s rich history and modern creative pursuits.

The City is committed to implement the Smart Growth Principles through its annual Business Plan Initiatives and policy making decisions. The recent examples of this commitment are the development and adoption of the City’s Multimodal Transportation Master Plan, South Dunedin Character Overlay District, and the acquisition of the Gladys Douglas Nature Preserve.

There are some upcoming projects that work toward the goal of Smart Growth. Stay tuned for the newly planned initiatives for the upcoming fiscal year.
More information on Dunedin’s population, demographics at Pinellas County Economic Development Community Profile.

Back to top