BNIM was selected to complete a Plan Update in late 2009 that focused on the future downtown, a 900 acre undeveloped area called Horizons, and developing a city-wide sustainability plan. An extensive community process and stakeholder involvement led to an exceptional final plan that will guide the City over the coming decades to be a resilient natural oasis in Kansas City's urban core.

The master plan included a vision for the environment, focused on local and sustainable goods, affordability, health, diversity, safety and natural open space. The goals for environmental sustainability, identified at the final community meeting, included:
- Revise landscape material standards to include native, low maintenance species that maximize benefits to wildlife.
- Restore Line Creek.
- Complete the trail system and promote the trails as a primary mode of transportation.
- Incorporate stormwater infiltration and storage into street design standards and building guidelines.
- Explore opportunities for renewable generation systems in Riverside.

The master plan implemented various tasks within the community. It employs opportunities for residents to engage with the Line Creek Corridor and Missouri River, seek educational opportunities, increase biodiversity and increase recreational opportunities. The plan recommends stream setbacks and tree protection agreements to protect stream stabilization, stormwater quality and reverse degradation.

Additional projects include a wetland preserve on the west side of the levee with access from the levee trail, protection of continuous habitat, creation of a conservation development zoning class and creation of an urban eco-park in downtown Riverside, where residents and visitors can learn about native species and habitats. Within the Horizons district, the plan envisions a considerable greenway with recreation uses and a native plant nursery.