The City of Austin is embarking on a revision of its sprawling Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, with the aim of updating the city’s development blueprint to reflect its growth and evolving needs. Spearheaded by the City Council and Mayor Kirk Watson, the process will be community-driven, ensuring that the varied voices of Austin’s residents help shape the city’s trajectory for the coming decades. “Austin’s more than a city. It’s a feeling. And we want that feeling to last for generations,” Mayor Watson stated, expressing the city’s commitment to preserving its unique character amidst change.
Adopted in 2012, Imagine Austin led the city through a transformative era, during which the population significantly expanded. The City Council’s decision on Thursday signifies a readiness to address new challenges whilst reaffirming dedication to broad community involvement, as it did over a decade ago. City staff, officials, and regional partners will collaborate closely with a community working group through various in-person and virtual platforms to solicit input from as wide a cross-section of the community as possible.
Planning Director Lauren Middleton-Pratt emphasized the inclusive nature of the upcoming deliberations, saying, “We want to make sure everyone’s voice counts, especially the ones that haven’t always been heard. That’s how we build a plan that truly reflects all of Austin.” The revised plan aims to give clearer direction on the city’s investments and decision-making, while also including mechanisms for consistent evaluation and implementation. This includes regular updates and check-ins to align with the goals of Imagine Austin…