Residents are invited to attend a series of open houses and provide feedback on the update to the city's comprehensive plan, Imagine Austin.
What's happening
Imagine Austin was first adopted by City Council in 2012 and amended several times since then. It's served as the basis for wide-ranging city policies and strategic planning, from public health and safety to mobility and housing efforts.
The roadmap was meant to cover several decades, but a 10-year report also recommended updating Imagine Austin given local growth and change since the early 2010s as well as some results under the plan so far. For example, the city reported improved conditions related to environmental health, construction and small business development since Imagine Austin's adoption while worsening outcomes related to affordability, health, transit and cultural investments were found.
After millions of dollars were budgeted in 2023 for an Imagine Austin update, officials formally advanced the process last summer. It's now expected to be completed by spring 2028.
Both elected officials and Austin Planning staff have said extensive public outreach will be needed for the update as it's implemented and new planning materials are developed. Five open houses scheduled in late October represent part of the city's community engagement process that'll continue into next year.
Get involved
Four in-person events and one virtual session will cover a draft version of the new Imagine Austin's vision statement along with initial information about a new future land use map intended to guide citywide growth.
All open houses will cover the same information and activities, and are scheduled as follows:
Oct. 20 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Turner Roberts Recreation Center, 7201 Colony Loop Drive
Oct. 21 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center, 5801 Ainez Drive
Oct. 24 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center, 808 Nile St.
Oct. 28 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Doss Elementary School, 7005 Northledge Drive
Oct. 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. via Zoom
Additionally, a survey about Imagine Austin priorities was opened online this fall. More information about the planning process, including future updates, will be available on the city's public input website.
