Looking Ahead

As part of the Year 10 reporting process priority programs identified challenges to realizing the vision of Imagine Austin. Staff synthesized these inputs and identified the major theme consistent across the programs - Austin’s fast-paced growth in terms of population size and urbanization. Identified implications of this challenge include affordability and cost of living, inequitable access to economic opportunities, goods, and services, and urban development pressures on natural resources. Additionally, during the reporting process, staff identified numerous opportunities to improve comprehensive plan implementation and center racial equity in the work.

Staff is committed to exploring how to adapt to a rapidly growing city and the challenges that presents. Looking at these challenges as opportunities, the following statements are intended to help inform the work ahead.

How might we ensure racial equity is at the center of our work and that Imagine Austin works to benefit all Austin residents?

For example, staff suggests conducting an equity assessment to clearly evaluate how Imagine Austin might benefit all.

How might we determine if Imagine Austin reflects and meets the needs of our changing community?

For example, staff recognizes Imagine Austin as adopted is not perfect. What did we miss and what are the gaps?

How might we assess the role of Imagine Austin with Strategic Direction (2028) and other guiding, planning-related documents in the City of Austin?

For example, how can we work with other City of Austin departments to ensure we are meeting shared goals?

Additionally, staff will continue to implement the comprehensive plan through:

Education + Engagement: the City keeps internal and external stakeholders apprised of the policies and actions contained in the comprehensive plan. The Speaker Series is one of the main tools used to inform and educate.

Long-Range Capital Improvement Program Planning: with the adoption of Imagine Austin (2012), the City of Austin made a conscious choice to integrate comprehensive planning into the city’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The LRCP process is intended to bridge the gap between Imagine Austin and future public infrastructure investments.