Many of the central ideas embodied in the RAISE Manchester project harken back to the city’s 2006 Downtown Strategic Development plan and were also articulated more recently in the 2021 Manchester Master Plan. 

Between 2017 and 2020, multiple studies, initiatives, brainstorming sessions and public charrettes have culminated in the recommendations that the RAISE Manchester plan incorporates. The plan is the result of hundreds of residents and other stakeholders and enjoys broad support.

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the $25 million RAISE grant in November 2021. The funds awarded were the highest possible under the grant program.