City Council adopts Imagine Austin comprehensive plan

The city initiated Imagine Austin in 2008 to direct the city's growth and redevelopment during the next 30 years. Austin's population is estimated to double to 1.5 million in that time.

Garner Stoll, assistant director for the city's Planning and Development Review Department, said more than 220 public hearings have taken place for Imagine Austin, which contains community-defined priorities for sustainability, livability, mobility, equity and prosperity.

The plan also envisions a city of "complete communities" where residents can easily meet everyday needs close to their homes, jobs, schools and more.

While there was plenty of opposition, there were also those who spoke in favor of the new comprehensive plan and no shortage of praise for the hard work put into the plan.

Mandy DeMayo of HousingWorks Austin, a housing affordability advocacy group, and Frank Hurren of Congress for the New Urbanism, which supports neighborhood-oriented development, both expressed support because of the compact and connected community aspects.

"Imagine Austin recognizes the importance of diverse housing options throughout the community," DeMayo said.

"Some folks spent 2 1/2 years on the task force, and countless others contributed their passion and ideas," Mayor Lee Leffingwell said. "This is a momentous achievement of working together to create a collective vision for Austin's future, and we are committed to doing our part as a city to begin implementing this plan."

Cookie Ruiz, a member of the Citizens Advisory Task Force, which helped guide Imagine Austin's formation, said the plan is not perfect but represents variety of views.

Changes Morrison added prior to adoption include language that says the comprehensive plan will inform—not predetermine—existing neighborhood plans and that the growth concept map will not only determine where growth should go, but where it shouldn't—such as environmentally sensitive areas and those not guided by neighborhood plan.

She also added language to enhance the priority of small, local businesses and language that requests the removal of SH 45 SW from the CAMPO plan.

Additionally, members clarified that even though a new plan was adopted, there will still be an ongoing planning process with an annual review of progress and a more thorough review every five years to determine if major updates to the plan are needed.

"This will be a continuous process," Councilman Chris Riley said.

The plan includes implementation guidelines and the following priority programs:

• A compact, connected Austin with improved transportation options
• Sustainably managed water resources
• Investing in Austin's workforce, education systems and entrepreneurs
• Protecting environmentally sensitive areas and integrating nature into the city
• Investing in Austin's creative economy
• Developing and maintaining household affordability throughout Austin
• Creating a "Healthy Austin" program