The first of several public meetings took place Tuesday to inform Hutto residents about proposed changes to the city's future land use map. The map is a tool to guide developers, city officials and staff on decisions related to future development, zoning changes and transportation. Helen Ramirez, executive director of Hutto Business & Development Services, talked about the proposed adjustments to a comprehensive plan approved and adopted by City Council in May 2015. Included was a land-use map mostly developed in 2009. Updates will become what the city follows for future development. She explained the original plan was to revisit the map every five years, but the pace of growth may make it necessary to adjust it every two or three years. “It needs to be adjusted to the growth we have had,” Ramirez said. “Once we adjust the future land use map, we will change our zoning map to be consistent. It is all is part of our long-term development,” she said. The city's rapid population increase and proposed developments have city officials looking to be proactive. Hutto’s population is projected to reach 24,094 this year, up to 37,744 by 2030 and up to 48,064 by 2040. Housing types and density; city, county and state roadways; industrial areas; and commercial development are all addressed in the future land use map. Traffic flow is an important aspect, Ramirez said, and the city is working with Williamson County to plan for the future. The map is split into five geographic areas. Each was discussed as far as current land use and what is proposed for the near future. “Our goal is balance,” Ramirez said “That is what our residents want to see, and this will be a step toward planning for balance.” Four forums remain with city officials, as outlined here. A survey is available at www.surveymonkey.com/r/huttoflum. The changes will be outlined in a joint meeting of City Council and the planning and zoning commission. Adoption is anticipated for June 1. “Now is the chance to give input on the plan,” Mayor Doug Gaul said.