Updates on the planning progress to convert Airport Boulevard from an auto-centric corridor into a high-density, walkable stretch of retail and residential development are expected to be made available to the community within the next three months.

In 2011, the Austin City Council passed a resolution to create an Airport Boulevard advisory group to help shape development along the corridor.

There are two separate projects within the initiative, including a corridor mobility study to identify needed traffic improvements and a study regarding the application of SmartCode, also known as form-based code, to the strip between I-35 and North Lamar Boulevard.

SmartCode gives greater flexibility to developers and a unified vision for the corridor in contrast to typical single-use zoning laid out in the city's land-use map. Meant to deter urban sprawl, the code emphasizes the form of buildings rather than their use but would still include provisions regulating against businesses that could have a negative impact.

The planning process began with an assessment of current conditions and future trends made by city planners in collaboration with local stakeholders.

"It has been an intense year," said Jorge Rousselin, project co-manager. "Now we are getting into the details of how to actually develop this tool called form-based code to form this vision."

Rousselin said the next step is to update the advisory group and the public in either March or April in order to gather feedback. Final recommendations regarding SmartCode are projected to be ready for City Council review in the fall.

According to project manager Alan Hughes, mobility study updates will also be available within three months, and another round of public meetings is planned for November.

The project is not currently funded, but an option under consideration is a Tax Increment Financing plan, which uses revenue from increased property taxes to pay for infrastructure projects.

Project co-manager Alan Holt said rules and regulations are being drafted to help identify both short- and long-term investment options.