What this means
The study is supported by the H-GAC and will launch in the fall, MEDC Executive Director Rachel Steele said. The city applied to the project last summer.
“Largely [our goals are] to look at the roadway system and to identify needs for expansion, extension of roads, ... start considering what pedestrian elements might look like,” Steele said. “And third within that is giving some attention to the Stroll District in downtown Magnolia.”
The process will involve community engagement, Steele said, with the formation of a stakeholder group, public meetings and an online survey. Steele said public feedback will help shape the goals.
“This Livable Centers project as a whole is a great holistic approach to making modifications in the community,” Steele said. “There are opportunities for us to pursue funding for some special projects and then, of course, these projects get elevated because they're now defined for us to go out and study, fund, design and construct.”
According to the MEDC website, the study’s scope includes neighborhoods, locally owned businesses, four schools, parks, retail centers, a business park, mixed-use developments and community facilities.
A closer look
Steele said within the next seven to nine months, studies and tests will be conducted on roadway infrastructure, walkability improvements and other elements to support the Livable Centers Study. Community engagement will begin after the results are back.
“[After] we will get the price tag for all of [the proposed projects] at the very end, and start in our [2026-]27 budget ... [we’ll be] looking at recommendations and how the corporations in the city can work together to start implementing these projects and plans,” Steele said.
Once completed, the full Livable Centers Study report will be posted on the city’s economic development website.
