Georgetown Comprehensive Plan (DRAFT) 2030 VISION …bike trails, and sidewalks; promotion of...

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Georgetown Comprehensive Plan (DRAFT) 2030 VISION STATEMENT Submitted to: Georgetown Planning Department Georgetown Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Submitted by: Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC As amended by the Steering Committee May 2007

Transcript of Georgetown Comprehensive Plan (DRAFT) 2030 VISION …bike trails, and sidewalks; promotion of...

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Georgetown Comprehensive Plan

(DRAFT) 2030 VISION STATEMENT

Submitted to:Georgetown Planning Department

Georgetown Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

Submitted by:Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC

As amended by the Steering CommitteeMay 2007

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NOTE: All photos marked with an asterisk (*) are by permission of the City of Georgetown Convention and Visi-tors Bureau (http://www.visitgeorgetown.org).Page 16 (bottom): computer-generated image by Steven Price/Urban AdvantagePage 17 (all): City of Georgetown website (http://www.georgetown.org)

Table of Contents

Introduction 5

Key Areas of Consensus 7

2030 Vision Statement 11

Appendix 19

*Sunset over the San Gabriel River

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Georgetown citizens cherish the small town western cham, neighborhorliness, and natural beauty *

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GEORGETOWN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN2030 VISION STATEMENT

IntroductionGeorgetown is at a pivotal milestone in its long and rich history. Over the past decade, George-town and the entire Austin region have experienced significant population growth and develop-ment, which has led to certain “growing pains.” Communities such as Georgetown—which are in the path of Austin’s northward growth surge along the I-35 corridor—must be prepared to manage this growth pressure, or run the risk of losing their unique identity and eroding their quality of life, as has been the fate of some neighboring communities to the south. While continued pressure for growth and change is a certainty, considerable uncertainty exists about how the future may unfold for Georgetown, and what the City may be like in 10 and 20 years.

In community forums held throughout Georgetown, citizens expressed concerns about the im-pacts of this growth on the character and quality of life of the community. Many citizens expressed a conviction that Georgetown should take a more active stance in managing growth to protect what people value in Georgetown: its small town western charm, its neighborliness and its natural beauty and freedom from overcrowding, pollution, crime and other urban problems.

A number of important questions and challenges were posed which must be addressed in the comprehensive plan:

• Will Georgetown remain a largely bedroom community, or will it attract new industry and com-mercial development to strengthen the tax base and provide alternatives to commuting to Austin?

Georgetown has been experiencing accelerated growth and the erosion of its distinct identity due to Austin’s northward surge of development along the I-35 corridor

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• Will we deplete our rural land reserves in the ETJ with inefficient sprawl and frag-mented, premature development?

• What can we do to improve mobility and avoid increasing traffic congestion?

• As our population diversifies across cul-tural and generational lines, will we lose our shared identity and commitment to the common good to narrow self-interests and a lack of tolerance to those with different perspectives or backgrounds?

• Will we continue to have a unique char-acter and identity, or will we succumb to the suburban uniformity that has altered forever the character of other communities that have failed to manage their growth?

Georgetown’s comprehensive plan must answer these and many other questions in order for the community to take charge of its future. Georgetown’s comprehensive plan and the policies, strate-gies and regulatory measures which it will identify, will become the tools to exert positive influence on the dynamics of change in Georgetown. Our community’s future and that of all its citizens will be profoundly influenced by the degree to which we succeed in this mission. To more fully appre-ciate the significance of the challenge, we start by considering what a comprehensive plan is and how we will use it.

Georgetown’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan will be…

A reflection of our values, aspirations and our shared visionJust as one would not begin a trip without first identifying a destination, the planning process should start by defining the community’s destination: that is, the kind of place we want Georgetown to be in 20 years; our plan horizon. A diverse array of citizens has expressed their views about Georgetown; its present strengths and weaknesses, and its future opportunities and threats. In listening to what citizens are saying, areas of apparent consensus emerged concerning the kind of community we want to become, or to remain. These expressions of community values provide the basis for a shared vision of Georgetown’s future. The Vision Statement articulates our expectations for the future. It frames the mandate for the comprehensive plan and it outlines the strategic frame-work necessary to achieve the vision.

A guide for the management of change…If our vision for Georgetown’s future is to be realized, the comprehensive plan must influence the direction of growth and change and how and where public and private investments are made. To exert this influence, the comprehensive plan must be applied as a guide to the many decisions which will determine each small increment of growth and change. While Georgetown government is taking a leadership role in this effort, the comprehensive plan will call on citizens, neighborhood and civic organizations and private industry to coordinate their efforts with a shared sense of direc-tion and a renewed spirit of partnership.

The foundation for policies, strategies and actionsGeorgetown’s comprehensive plan will examine policies and strategies for land use, economic development and the protection of open space and natural resources; for the management of land resources and future annexations; and for investments in roadways and other public facilities. Fol-

The Comprehensive Plan must answer critical questions about the City’s desired identity and character, and about how to take charge of the future *

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lowing comprehensive plan adoption, we can expect some significant adjustments to City policies, regulations and capital investment priorities.

Georgetown’s 20-year “To-Do” listThe influence which the comprehensive plan will have on Georgetown’s future will be a product of the vision which inspires it, and the actions taken to realize it. The vision will not be realized be-cause we may agree with, or feel good about, the values it expresses. It will not be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Rather, it will be realized by steady progress in adhering to a well-defined “game plan” of effective short and long-term actions and a commitment to stay focused.

Over several days in November of 2006, some 74 citizens, as well as Comprehensive Plan Steer-ing Committee members, participated in community forums to discuss issues facing Georgetown. From this input, the following key areas of community consensus have emerged as the basis for the Vision Statement.

Key Areas of Consensus

Strengths

1. Small town/historic character, which most associate with downtown Georgetown and its square and Courthouse.

2. People of Georgetown, often described as tolerant, open, friendly, and valuing diversity, as well as educated and involved in community affairs.

3. Quality growth/preparation for growth/strong economy, with specific references to “growing room,” adequate water and infrastructure capacity with fiscal responsibility, and availability of local jobs and shopping.

4. Parks and natural areas, including rivers, lakes and trails.

5. Location/Accessibility, with specific reference to the I-35 and SH-130 links to Austin, being the County seat and a strategic location in Central Texas.

Close to 75 citizens participated in forums to discuss issues and aspirations related to the future of Georgetown. The input received has served as the foundation for the Vision Statement

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A second tier of perceived strengths included Southwestern University, Sun City and the communi-ty’s safety level.

Weaknesses

1. Transportation, including the lack of public transportation, pedestrian, and bicycle networks; lack of roadway connectivity which makes it difficult traversing Georgetown; traffic congestion; Williams Drive; and poor traffic signalization.

2. Misconceptions of local government, including perceived lack of attention to small/downtown businesses, zoning/enforcement inconsistencies, lack of planning for economic development/industrial recruitment, spending within budget, small town politics, etc.

3. Need for more economic development, a stronger tax base, and quality local jobs

Although not considered consensus issues many participants cited community divisiveness and a lack of choice in local-serving retail (restaurants, groceries, etc.) as community weaknesses.

Opportunities

1. Improving/diversifying educational, civic and cultural opportunities, including raising the quality of local schools, better “town-gown” engagement with Southwestern University, lower cost higher education (community college), reserving land for future libraries, supporting local artists, and building new civic and cultural facilities.

2. Retaining/strengthening unique community character/downtown, preserve small town historic character, strengthen and diversify downtown, develop San Gabriel waterfront, protect rivers, expand trails, improve gateways, apply higher standards for quality and appearance.

* Note: Combined previously separate “community character” and “downtown” categories due to close association of both to the historic Courthouse/Square.

3. Transportation improvements, including the development of public transportation, bike trails, and sidewalks; promotion of alternative fuel vehicles; and enhancement and development of current and future major arterials.

4. Well managed growth, by means of a clear plan for future land use, preservation of green space, creation of greenbelts, promotion of sound development at variable densities, and focused attention to high growth areas such as west Georgetown and the SH-130 and Parmer corridors.

5. Economic development/tax base growth, by attracting quality industry and well-paying local jobs, promoting heritage tourism, and providing a better variety of retail.

6. Leverage the City’s ownership of public utilities to facilitate well-managed growth.

Threats

1. Unmanaged growth: the loss of small town character, uncontrolled growth in the ETJ, wasteful low density development, loss of open space and natural beauty.

2. Failure to plan and adequately fund future infrastructure capacity.

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3. Public attitudes – apathy/divisiveness:, lack of contact between generations and socio-economic groups, elitism, unwillingness to accept change.

4. Transportation problems: inadequate roads, traffic gridlock, failure to reduce dependence on the automobile.

5. Failure to adequately plan for the health and social service needs of the community.

Although they are not recorded as consensus issues, other often cited issues include unbalanced growth / failure to attract industry and a failure of government to act.

A full description of the community forum results is included in the Appendix.

Georgetown residents offer their input at the three community forums conducted in November 2006.

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In 2030, the historic character of its downtown has been protected...

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2030 Vision Statement

The following Vision Statement is written from a perspective of some twenty years into the future. It expresses what we envision and desire our community to be in the year 2030, and it reflects on all that we have accomplished since we launched the revision of our Comprehensive Plan in 2006.

In 2030, Georgetown is a growing city, recognized throughout the region and the nation as a premier community of choice by virtue of its exceptional livability; proud historic heritage; welcoming, engaging people; safe neighborhoods; variety of well-paying jobs; excellent public schools; vibrant arts and cultural offerings; and well-planned infrastructure, transportation, and public facilities.

We have taken advantage of our strategic location in embracing sound, managed growth, harnessing and guiding it to deliberately shape Georgetown as we choose it to be. In embracing sound growth and encouraging a variety of densities and architectural styles, we have promoted sustainable development patterns that are compatible with our natural resources and historic character. We have encouraged innovation in development practices, raising quality standards for new development, re-investing in downtown and historic neighborhoods, and revitalizing areas in transition. We have achieved greater economic autonomy by attracting quality employment and an array of local retail and commercial services to grow our tax base, safeguard our fiscal health and retain our talented youth. All our neighborhoods are safe and thriving, and offer quality, affordable housing to households of all ages, lifestyles and economic means.

We have achieved our Vision by exercising leadership, and by mobilizing citizens, civic and neighborhood organizations and local businesses and institutions to work together in partnership with the City of Georgetown and its elected and appointed leaders and staff.

We have crafted our Vision to articulate community values and aspirations, structured into the following four major themes:

• Quality of Life • Sustainable Development• Balanced Transportation / Efficient Mobility• Effective Governance

Quality of Life

Community Character

• The City of Georgetown is regarded throughout Central Texas and the nation as a safe, livable and beautiful “community of choice.”

• We have retained our unique identity and heritage by protecting the historic character of downtown and our older neighborhoods.

• We have raised the bar for development quality by encouraging innovation among forms of development which maintain and enhance community character and which conserve land and natural resources, consistent with market demand.

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• We have enhanced the community’s visual character through greater attention to roadway aesthetics, conservation of our tree canopy and green spaces, standards for appropriate signage and enhanced gateway corridors.

• We have preserved our irreplaceable natural resources, our lakes, rivers and Hill County scenery. Through a variety of means—including strategic acquisition and development of park lands, trails and greenways, successful partnerships, and effective use of incentives for voluntary preservation—our open spaces are protected for future generations.

• We have expanded public recreational use and enjoyment of our parks and open spaces by expanding sports facilities and by enhancing our network of greenways and trails, which link major open spaces, recreational areas and our rivers and lakes.

People

• Georgetown people are educated, engaged, caring, diverse and committed to the community.

• Georgetown people—whether long-time residents or newcomers; young households or retirees—become deeply rooted in the community and are actively involved in community service through their faith-based involvement, civic organizations and a variety of volunteer activities.

• Georgetown people are well informed and engaged with local government on key issues affecting growth and change in the community.

In 2030, our distinct Hill Country scenery has been pre-served... [and] our open spaces protected for future gen-erations... *

In 2030, Georgetown people... become deeply rooted in the community... and are well informed and engaged with local government on key issues... *

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• Georgetown people recognize and embrace their diversity and respond to opportunities to come together in common purpose, overcoming generational, cultural, geographic and socio-economic barriers.

• Georgetown people are tolerant and compassionate, and reach out to those in need.

• Georgetown people are receptive to positive change and nurture future leaders.

• Georgetown people respond to the needs of all economic levels of residents through the provision of affordable housing and adequate and accessible health and social services.

Educational and Cultural Opportunities

• Georgetown nurtures its most valuable resource—its youth—by promoting and supporting the highest level of excel-lence in public education and by actively engaging them in the life of the commu-nity.

• Southwestern University is a valued resource and a partner in community af-fairs. The City and University collaborate in initiatives to expand economic op-portunities, to attract clean, knowledge-based employment, and to provide cultural enrichment to citizens and op-portunities to engage the student body in the community.

• Georgetown seeks and creates partnerships to promote lifelong learning and provide af-fordable higher education for all, along with special venues for learning to make George-town an educational destination in Central Texas.

• Georgetown is a cultural destination in Central Texas, thanks to our vibrant community of artists and artisans, performing arts venues, and array of arts, heritage and cultural festivals and events.

Quality Growth/Sustainable Development

Throughout Georgetown we have...

• Attracted desired forms of balanced development, creating quality urban, suburban, and rural places that offer a choice of setting, and lifestyle;

• Encouraged residential developments that are well connected to the larger community and which are planned and designed to compliment the heritage and natural character of Georgetown and which offer a variety of housing types and price ranges;

In 2030, Southwestern University is a valued resource and a partner in community affairs... *

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• Encouraged sound, compact, quality growth, including pedestrian-friendly development patterns that incorporate mixed uses and densities, conserve resources, and accommodate public transportation, alternative fuel vehicles, biking, and walking as convenient sub-stitutes for automobile use;

• Reserved well-planned and well-located sites for future employment centers, suf-ficient to meet our long range need for economic diversification and suitable to attract desired “clean” businesses.

• Maintained the quality and diversity of our housing stock in all our neighborhoods, which are framed by safe, attractive streets.

In downtown Georgetown and our in-town older neighborhoods we have…

• Supported home-grown businesses and planned for an optimal mix of businesses, services and retail and entertainment suited to the scale and historic charm of downtown;

• Attracted or created an array of civic, arts and other cultural activities and events to expand the level of downtown activity; and

• Promoted downtown and in-town housing including infill, mixed use and the creation of apart-ments and lofts over retail.

Throughout the City, sound, compact, quality growth has been encouraged, including pedestrian-friendly development patterns...

In downtown Georgetown, there is an wide array of civic, arts, and cultural activities and events to expand the level of activity....

...Downtown and in-town infill housing and mixed use development have been promoted...

*

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Along our major highway corridors we have…

• Promoted development compatible with safe, efficient traffic circulation through sound standards for access management, limited installation of curb cuts and parking facility connectivity;

• Selectively determined appropriate locations and applied design standards for large commercial developments and other high traffic generating uses;

• Set high design standards for all commercial development and signage; and

• Encouraged mixed-use, clustered and “village center” development types as alternatives to conventional strip center and stand-alone “pad” sites.

In our suburban fringe we have…

• Exercised influence to prevent premature and incompatible development;

• Encouraged the staged, orderly expansion of contiguous development to coincide with the expansion of roads and infrastructure;

• Encouraged conservation development and other approaches that retain rural character and promote retention of open space;

• Provided for the City’s long range growth with strategically timed annexations; and

• Consolidated development patterns within the City limits, where feasible, through judicious annexation and capital investments.

Balanced Transportation/Efficient Mobility

• Georgetown has implemented improvements to the local road and traffic control system, in-cluding new thoroughfare linkages to enhance connectivity, improved and coordinated traf-fic signalization, and standards for access management to enhance traffic flow and safety.

Along major highway corridors, we have promoted development compatible with safe, efficienty traffic circulation...

In the suburban fringe, we have encouraged conservation development to retain rural character and retain open space...

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• Georgetown is progressing towards a functional, well-integrated, multi-modal transportation system, which provides convenient public transportation choices within Georgetown and access to the region’s major activity centers in and around Austin.

• Georgetown has reduced its reliance on conventional fuels and automotive traffic by promoting alternative fuel vehicles; by retrofitting bike lanes and sidewalks in underserved areas to enhance bicycle and pedestrian mobility; by incorporating these facilities in new developments; and by encouraging compact mixed-use and other “walkable” development types.

• Georgetown has carefully located employment and commercial centers, schools, and other high-traffic generators.

Effective Governance

• Our City government retains its reputation for providing a high level of responsiveness to citizens and has made great strides in exercising visionary leadership in planning and in-vesting for the future.

• We have created and enforced innovative, effective and fair regulatory codes and develop-ment standards to guide growth and improve development quality. We have streamlined the regulatory process, particularly for desired development types and locations.

• Georgetown has achieved a high level of service coordination, both internally and with County, State and non-profit service providers.

• Georgetown has anticipated and planned for the long-range need for public facilities in-cluding police, fire, recreation and libraries.

• The City has coordinated with the Georgetown Independent School District for the appropri-ate siting and timing of new school construction, consistent with the City’s growth manage-ment strategy.

• Georgetown has maintained and improved its fiscal strength by:- Actively promoting sustainable economic development through recruitment of desired

industries and employers;

In 2030, Georgetown is progressing towards a functional, well-integrated, multi-modal transportation system...

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- Guiding a compact growth pattern, which reduces public facility costs;- Careful prioritizing spending, consistent with adopted capital improvement plans and

budgets; and- Judicious use of incentives and subsidies for desired development.

• Georgetown has taken a leadership role in the use of advanced technology to incorporate sustainable “green infrastructure,” including initiatives to:- Conserve water resources through reduced consumption;- Effectively re-use treated wastewater for irrigation;- Develop renewable sources of electric energy;- Promote maximum re-cycling;- Promote the use of alternative fuels; and- Provide high speed internet access for all citizens.

• The City has followed through on its commitment to plan for the future, by adopting a com-

prehensive plan; by consistently applying it as a criterion in all decision-making; by imple-menting actions called for in the plan; and by periodic monitoring and updating of the plan.

In 2030, Georgetown has anticipated and planned for the provision of long-range public facility needs including police, fire, recreation, and libraries...

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Appendix:Community Forum

Results

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Georgetown Comprehensive Plan – Summary of Community Forums 1

SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY FORUM INPUT

Introduction

This memorandum summarizes the results of three community forums held on November 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 2006 to receive public input for the creation of a Vision Statement which will serve as the inspiration and motivation for a new Comprehensive Plan for Georgetown. This input, and the resultant areas of community consensus documented herein in Appendix A, reveals areas of consensus on citizen’s aspirations for Georgetown, which will be used as the "raw material" for the articulation of the

Vision Statement. This input is generally consistent with the results of the City’s visioning exercise conducted in 2004 (Appendix B), but provides more specifics concerning the desired character of the community and citizen expectations for particular initiatives such as managing growth, diversifying the economy and protecting the community’s quality of life and character. It should be understood that the purpose of the community forums, as well as the 2004 visioning exercise, was neither to conduct a scientifically accurate public opinion survey, nor to prematurely formulate comprehensive plan conclusions or recommendations. Rather, this public input serves to focus the planning process on key areas of citizen concern and interest. These focal issues will then be addressed in subsequent factual analyses and development of concepts, policies and strategies. Approximately 74 persons attended the community forums, participating in 9 small-group discussions held on successive days at three locations in the City. At each forum, community input was facilitated within discussion groups of eight to ten people, each of which was asked to address the following questions in sequence: Present Strengths and Weaknesses • What present characteristics of Georgetown can we characterize as strengths

(qualities worth retaining)? • What characteristics can we characterize as weaknesses (problems or

deficiencies requiring resolution)?

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Future Opportunities and Threats • What conditions or trends could change Georgetown in the future?

- Which can we interpret as opportunities, which we should seize to make Georgetown better?

- Which can we interpret as challenges or threats, which we should anticipate, prepare for, or avoid?

After listing an array of ideas in response to the four questions, participants were asked to “vote” for their highest priority ideas or issues. Comments recorded for each of the discussion groups in each of the three community forums are tabulated in Appendix A, along with a tally of all of the input. Summarized below are those issues identified as priorities by at least one third of all participants. KEY AREAS OF COMMUNITY CONSENSUS Present Strengths

1. Small town/historic character - which most associate with downtown Georgetown and its square and Courthouse (50 votes)

2. People of Georgetown – often described as

diverse, friendly, educated, involved in community affairs and with abundant leadership. (39 votes)

3. Quality growth/preparation for

growth/strong economy – with specific references to “growing room”, adequate water and infrastructure capacity and availability of local jobs and shopping. (37 votes)

4. Parks and natural areas – including rivers, lakes and trails. (36 votes) 5. Location/Accessibility – with specific reference to the I-35 link to Austin,

being the County Seat and a strategic location in Central Texas. (25 votes) A second tier of perceived strengths included Southwestern University, Sun City and the community’s safety level. Present Weaknesses 1. Transportation – including the lack of transit and pedestrian and bicycle

networks, congestion, Williams drive and poor traffic signalization. (50 votes)

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2. Government inaction – lack of attention to small/downtown businesses, zoning/enforcement inconsistencies, lack of planning for economic development/industrial recruitment, spending within budget, small town politics, etc. (44 votes)

3. Lack of Industrial development/weak tax

base/lack of quality local jobs/ bedroom community character (40 votes)

4. Road Network/lack of connectivity – although

somewhat related to the transportation deficiencies cited above, many made specific reference to difficulties and traversing Georgetown due to a lack of roadway connectivity.

Although not considered consensus issues many participants cited community divisiveness and a lack of choice in local-serving retail (restaurants, groceries, etc.) as community weaknesses. Future Opportunities

1. Improve/diversify educational, civic and

cultural opportunities – including raising the quality of local schools, better “town-gown” engagement with Southwestern, lower cost higher education (community college), reserving land for future libraries, supporting local artists, and building new civic and cultural facilities. (57 votes)

2. Retain/strengthen unique community character/downtown – preserve

small town historic character, strengthen and diversify downtown, develop San Gabriel waterfront, protect rivers, expand trails, improve gateways, apply higher standards for quality and appearance. (42 votes)

* Note: Combined previously separate “community character” and “downtown” categories due to close association of both to the historic Courthouse/Square.

3. Transportation improvements – including the development of public transit,

bike trails, sidewalks and the improvement of Williams Drive.( 40 votes) 4. Well managed growth – including a clear plan for future land use, preserving

green space, creating greenbelts, preventing sprawl and focused attention to high growth areas such as west Georgetown and the 130 and Parmer corridors. (29 votes)

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5. Economic development/tax base growth - attracting quality industry, well-

paying local jobs, promoting heritage tourism and providing a better variety of retail. (26 votes)

Future Threats

1. Unmanaged growth - the loss of small town character, uncontrolled growth in the ETJ, wasteful low density development, loss of open space and natural beauty, lack of infrastructure capacity. (75 votes)

2. Public attitudes – apathy/divisiveness –

lack of contact between generations and socio-economic groups, elitism, unwillingness to accept change. (36 votes)

3. Transportation problems – inadequate roads, traffic gridlock, failure to

reduce dependence on the automobile. (32 votes) Although they are not recorded as consensus issues, other often cited issues include unbalanced growth / failure to attract industry and a failure of government to act. VARIATIONS IN COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS While the priority issues noted above were reported in virtually all of the discussion groups, there were a number of subtle variations in attitudes and perceptions. Likewise, there were a number of issues for which community perceptions vary, as follows. Location - Proximity to Austin is viewed as both a blessing and a curse. It drives economic growth and provides a wealth of relatively nearby jobs, shopping and entertainment activities. However, it is also perceived to cause unwanted types of (bedroom community) growth and contributes to traffic, long commuting times and economic dependence. Likewise, many fear being swallowed by Austin’s suburban growth and consequently losing Georgetown’s historic community identity, which some described as “becoming another Pflugerville”. People/Community Relations – Although many people think of Georgetown citizens as friendly, educated and engaged in community activities; others perceive a lack of tolerance for the community’s growing diversity and a divisiveness between “old-timers” and new arrivals. Also, some reported a

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growing socioeconomic and cultural divide between upper income groups and an expanding underclass, which is not well represented in civic affairs and which may not be receiving adequate attention regarding housing and social service needs. These observations are closely related to concerns about the increasing proportion of the community residing in age-restricted, or other “set-apart” residential enclaves, such as Sun City. Education/Culture - while many think of Georgetown as having good schools, many more believe they are “good, but not good enough”. Likewise, while most believe the presence of Southwestern University is a major community asset, many others believe that the City and the university are largely disengaged, with little “town-gown” interaction. Also, while more than half of the participants cited the City’s cultural assets as strengths, the same number of citizens cited opportunities for improvement to the present array of cultural activities. Growth/Economic Development – Some in the community cite the City’s strong local economy, local jobs, shopping areas and infrastructure capacity as evidence of sound growth. However, many more express concerns about a lack of recruitment of employers offering well-paying jobs and the impact of Georgetown’s bedroom-community character on the tax base. Likewise, many regret a lack of choice in locally available restaurants, supermarkets and nightlife. Downtown – Participants universally cited Georgetown’s small town, historic heritage as its most important strength – one which is inextricably associated with downtown. Nevertheless, many express concerns over downtown’s continued economic viability. Attitudes toward City Government – While some participants complimented City government for its quality services and responsiveness, many more cited things that the City is not thought to be performing adequately, such as consistent zoning and enforcement, economic development, fragmentation of services and planning for future growth. KEY THEMES/ELEMENTS OF A VISION As a means of initiating the process of articulating a Vision Statement, the following are suggested as key "elements of a vision" based on the expressed views of the public. Managed/Balanced Growth: avoiding sprawl, fragmentation and other undesirable forms of growth, while providing adequate public facilities and services concurrent with development and discouraging undesired or premature forms of development in the ETJ.

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Economic Diversification: recruiting high quality employers with well-paying jobs and a diverse array of local serving retail to become economically self-sufficient, retain our talented youth and strengthen the tax base. Community Character/Quality of Life - retaining the small town community character, local heritage and identity, raising the bar for development quality and innovation. Strengthening Downtown: ensuring long term economic viability, protecting historic character, supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, diversifying the array of civic, retail and entertainment activities, growing a critical mass of downtown and in-town residents to provide a high level of day and nighttime activity. Enhancing Educational and Cultural Opportunities: making public education the best that it can be, promoting creative engagement with Southwestern University, expanding opportunities for lifelong learning, providing lower cost options for higher education and technical training, growing the local arts community and expanding the array of facilities as venues for the arts and civic events. Building Community: promoting a shared identity, interaction, communication and involvement in civic affairs among all segments of the community. Natural Resource Protection: protecting irreplaceable natural resources; lakes, rivers, and native Hill Country scenery. Efficient Transportation: expanding the array of non-automobile choices, limiting vehicular congestion, enhance the efficiency and convenience of automobile travel with a well connected road network, and avoiding undesired development along major roadway corridors. Exceptional Governance: responsive to citizens, internally consistent and coordinated, sound decision-making consistent with the vision and the comprehensive plan, development of innovative tools and the necessary resources necessary to guide growth and protect community character and quality of life. .

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APPENDIX A Summary of Community Forum Results

Thursday, November 2, 2006 – Municipal Complex

Attendance - 24 GROUP 1 STRENGTHS

Issue Votes Heritage (historical city with western heritage) 6 Parks / Natural Areas (river, trails, lake) 6 Location / Accessibility (I-35, Austin, highways, airport) 5 Safety (low crime rate, justice system) 5 Sense of community (friendly, people talk, volunteerism) 5 Southwestern University 5 Quality controlled growth 3 Growing cultural diversity (brought by growth) 3 Awareness of infrastructure needs 3 Libraries 2 Low cost housing (from national perspective) 2 Medical care (St. David’s, Georgetown healthcare, S&W) 2 Shopping / retail (outlet mall, Wolf Ranch) 1 Strong neighborhoods (Sun City, Berry Creek) 1 WEAKNESSES

Issue Votes Lack of industrial development 7 Road network / lack of connectivity 5 School system (compared with others in similar demographics) 4 Lack of cultural diversity 4 Fragmented city edges (conflicting jurisdictions, city-City regulatory conflicts) 3 Lack of City attention to small / downtown businesses 3 Big boxes putting small businesses out of business 2 Traffic signalization 2 Lack of sidewalks / bike paths 2 Divisiveness (Sun City vs. rest of City) 2 Lack of property maintenance (weeds, junk) 1 Lack of community college 1 Zoning inconsistencies / inadequate neighborhood protection 1 Willingness to subsidize everything 1

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OPPORTUNITIES

Issue Votes Improve schools / education 6 More industrial development (change reputation for not wanting it) 5 Develop alternative / public transportation modes 4 Unite the community around common interests (organize volunteers better) 4 Clear plan for land use / zoning 3 Make internet a public utility 3 Plan for greenbelt areas 2 Preservation of historical areas 2 Develop tourism / attractions (children’s museum, artisans community) 2 Deal with addicted population 2 THREATS

Issue Votes Lack of balanced growth / remaining a bedroom community (no high paying jobs, loss of youth)

6

Becoming overly indebted 5 Failure to fund the plan 5 Losing identity / swallowed by regional growth 5 De-annexation 4 Graying of population / unbalanced demographics 4 Pollution 3 Crime increases due to growth 1 Political apathy 1 Overdevelopment / loss of open space 1 I-35 / other highways 1 GROUP 2 STRENGTHS

Issue Votes Small town character (friendly, respectful, involved) 6 Parks / natural areas / wildlife 6 Southwestern 5 Historic preservation 4 Square / City Seat / courthouse (activities, 1st Friday, farmers market, Palace Theater) 4 Proximity to Austin 3 Diversity (age, income, housing types) 2 Community services 2 Library 2 City government 1 No need to commute / local employment opportunities 1

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WEAKNESSES

Issue Votes Traffic (Williams Drive) 4 Lack of mass transit 4 Friction / resistance to change (old timers vs. newcomers) 4 Lack of restaurants (not fast food) 4 Pollution (river, quarries, fertilizer) 4 Lack of road connectivity 3 Lack of industry / white collar jobs 3 Lack of supermarket choice 3 Lack of affordable housing 3 Lack of sidewalks / bike trails 3 Lack of retail / dept. stores 1 Quarries 1 Lack of zoning / enforcement 1 Lack of liquor (by the drink) 1 OPPORTUNITIES

Issue Votes Better interaction with Southwestern 6 Develop better communication in City (newspaper, radio etc.) 5 Preserve historic downtown 5 Stimulate downtown investment / development (streamline boards and commissions) 4 Reserve land for public facilities / libraries 4 Develop affordable housing through partnerships 3 More quality employment 3 Protect rivers 2 High density development with more green space 2 Take advantage of highway corridor growth 1 Improve Williams Drive and other highway gateways 1 Support local artists community 1 THREATS

Issue Votes Unmanaged growth / lack of stringent regulations 4 Traffic corridor gridlock (becoming a 620 in Round Rock) 4 Not developing mass transit 3 Inadequate roads 3 Lack of businesses / weak tax base 3 Growth too fast / too great a volume of new housing 3 Pollution / trash dumping 3 Homeowner associations inability to pay for neighborhood park maintenance 1

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GROUP 3 STRENGTHS

Issue Votes People (abundant leadership, friendly, “can do” attitude, active, educated citizens, downtown preservation initiative, character and values)

11

Small town character (sense of history, downtown, quiet) 6 Park system / trails (location of downtown park in relation to I-35) 5 Water availability 5 Southwestern University 4 Growing economy 4 Untapped resources 4 Library system 4 Libraries 4 Schools 3 Good housing availability 1 Proximity to Austin 1 WEAKNESSES

Issue Votes Lack of local jobs / tax base 6 Transportation (lack of transit, traffic management) 5 Questionable viability / lack of diversity on the square 5 No quality hotel convention center 4 Inadequate medical care for uninsured 3 Lack of sidewalks (in Old Town) 3 Airport in growth area 3 Rural, low density subdivisions (wasting land) 2 Inadequate diversity oh housing choices in relation to available jobs 2 Proximity to Austin – growth pressures 2 Unexploited City SU relationship 2 No local TV / radio 1 OPPORTUNITIES

Issue Votes Redevelop I-35 / Williams Drive Area 7 Transform downtown (vibrant entertainment district, hotel convention center, live-work-play in downtown)

5

Diversification of activities (live-work-play throughout Georgetown) 4 Develop commercial node around TOD 4 Develop town-gown relationship with Southwestern 3 Develop park system that connects neighborhoods 2 Develop San Gabriel waterfront for water park / entertainment 2 Acquire land to the west for library 1 THREATS

Issue Votes Failure to recruit industry / grow a diversified tax base 6 Failure to plan for adequate utilities 5 Uncontrolled growth in ETJ / 130corridor 4 Low density development (wasting land, proliferation of septic system polluting aquifer) 3 Neglect of downtown through apathy 3

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Sprawl of Austin / Round Rock 1

Friday, November 3, 2006 - Sun City Attendance - 40

GROUP 1 STRENGTHS

Issue Votes Accessibility 4 Small Town friendliness 4 Natural features (parks, trails, Hill Country) 4 Sun City 4 Library 3 Square / downtown 2 Preservation (historic, nature) 1 Shopping (Wolf Ranch, Rivery) 1 Restaurants (independent) 1 Open planning process 1 University 0 Newspaper 0 WEAKNESSES

Issue Votes Lack of transportation alternatives (mass transit, sidewalks, bike lanes, trains) 4 Too few restaurants 3 Lack of commercial / industrial base / jobs 3 Small town politics 2 Lack of good traffic control / lights 2 Development process 2 Lack of affordable housing 2 Airport 1 Lack of connectivity (too many areas with no through access) 1 Spending within budget (expenses vs. tax revenue) 1 Lack of choice of groceries 1 Lack of bicycle plan 1 Water / sewer capacity 1 Lack of nightlife 0 OPPORTUNITIES

Issue Votes Transit-oriented development (Austin-San Antonio rail district) 5 Planning for quality development (create a special place, not become Austin or Pflugerville, mixed quality uses

4

More affordable housing 3 Alternative transportation modes (transit, bikes, high speed rail) 3 More jobs that pay 2 Take advantage of intellectual cultural resources (Sun City, Southwestern) 2 Small scale development around lakes / rivers 2 Trail connections (connect parks, rivers, downtown, Wolf Ranch, Garey Ranch) 2 Maintain small town atmosphere 1

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THREATS

Issue Votes Can’t maintain small town atmosphere 4 Focus on individual interests ,not common interests (Sun City) 4 Reliance on automobile 3 Lack of affordability (housing, taxes) 3 Loss of water quality / availability 2 Lack of funding for community priorities (housing, transit 2 Uncontrolled growth 2 Crime 1 International traffic (I-35, 130) 1 Unbalanced age distribution 1 GROUP 2 STRENGTHS

Issue Votes Southwestern University 7 Sense of community (small town atmosphere, community pride, friendly people, physical size of town)

6

Sun City (25% of pop, volunteer skills) 6 Clean 4 Downtown 2 Location (proximity to urban areas) 2 Climate 1 Parks 1 Youth 1 WEAKNESSES

Issue Votes Transportation (poor street planning / Williams Drive, lack of walkability / bike-ability) 6 Lack of support for poor (affordable housing, not enough public/social services, public health awareness)

6

Erosion of green space / natural areas 4 Lack of connectivity / disconnected neighborhoods 3 Lack of industry / weak tax base / low paying jobs 3 Inconsistent zoning / land use 2 Lack of code enforcement (poor property maintenance, dilapidated houses) 2 Population demographics (longtime residents vs. newcomers, lack of cultural diversity) 1 OPPORTUNITIES

Issue Votes Improve transportation (bus service, light rail, improve roads) 6 Maintain community identity 5 Attract industry (selectively) 4 Utilize citizen’s skills and talents 4 Add sidewalks / trails 3 Improve schools 2 Tourism 2 Cultural arts 1

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THREATS

Issue Votes Unmanaged growth (rampant unregulated growth, urban sprawl, erosion of natural beauty / open space lack of planning)

6

Public apathy 5 Poor economic development (wrong kind of industry, jobs without benefits) 4 Lack of public transportation 4 Lack of public health training 2 Lack of public safety 1 GROUP 3 STRENGTHS

Issue Votes Education / culture (symphony, library, “Senior University”, newspaper as unifying force) 5 Safety (good citizen-government communication, restrictive sign ordinance) 3 Demographic diversity 1 Shopping center – Wolf Ranch 1 Small town feel / vitality of downtown None recorded Community attitudes (support of churches, undercurrent of excitement, non-profit volunteerism) None recorded Parks / open space (Lake Georgetown, park system, countryside) None recorded WEAKNESSES

Issue Votes Transportation (lack of connectivity, lack of public transit / light rail, lack of downtown parking, lack of walkability / sidewalks, widen Williams drive)

7

Lack of cultural opportunities (particularly for young people) 6 Governance / leadership (perceived attitudes of government / Council, lack of annexation strategy, not staying within budget, fragmented services, lack of social services, do not take advantage of opportunities for economic development, attitudes east of I-35, divisiveness)

5

Lack of relationship to Southwestern University (not reaching out to community, exclusivity, relationship lacking on both sides)

4

Lack of affordable housing 4 Diversity / divisiveness of citizens 1 Lack of public education for future 1 OPPORTUNITIES

Issue Votes Plan for mass transit 7 Develop civic / cultural facilities (civic center / auditorium, reserve City/City space now for arts and cultural use

6

Manage growth (preserve green space, project and manage future growth) 5 Set funding priorities 3 Southwestern University students (retain in community?) 2 Improve public education (make it best in Central Texas) 1 Expand citizen participation / volunteerism 1

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THREATS

Issue Votes Unmanaged growth (developers, urban sprawl) 5 Divisiveness (narrow-mindedness. Inability to compromise, special interests, lack of relationships between ethnic / socio-economic groups)

5

Transportation (failure to all issues under transportation weaknesses) 5 Lack of effort to improve education 3 Failure to address needs of lower income groups 2 Failure of government to act (failure to listen to people, inability to set spending priorities None recorded GROUP 4 STRENGTHS

Issue Votes Location / proximity 6 Cultural opportunities 5 Quality of life 3 Community protection / safety 2 Room to grow 2 Responsive City government 2 WEAKNESSES

Issue Votes Lack of industrial base / bedroom community 5 Slow government process 5 Difficulty transitioning to larger community 5 Lack of mobility / internal access / connectivity 4 Lack of zoning / land use controls (donut holes, non-annexed “island” areas) 3 No dog park 1 Lack of political knowledge (City Council) 1 No quality restaurants 1 Duplication / fragmentation of government services 1 OPPORTUNITIES

Issue Votes Downtown Square (capitalize on) 5 Develop more industrial / commercial (expand retail choices) 5 More transportation choices (multi-modal) 4 Manage growth in major corridors (130, Parmer) 4 Cultural center 2 Lake Georgetown recreation 2 Employment for local student graduates 1 Entertainment 1 Visually define / differentiate Georgetown (distinguish from surrounding communities, define identity at corridor gateways)

1

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THREATS

Issue Votes Uncontrolled growth (density, lack of zoning) 8 Loss of identity (absorption into Austin, cookie-cutter development) 8 Declining city services (potable water, waste, trash disposal, police / fire) 5 Lack of adequate roadways (prior to development) 5 Failure to enforce 4 Failure to update City government with growth 2 Inability to attract / retain City leadership and staff 1 GROUP 5 STRENGTHS

Issue Votes Natural features (parks, trails, open space, greenbelts, park maintenance) 5 Education / cultural assets (new library, educational system, Southwestern, symphony society)

3

Small town / downtown 2 Location 2 Sun City 2 Motorcycle friendly 2 Shopping opportunities 0 WEAKNESSES

Issue Votes Lack of planning (slow infrastructure development, inadequate City planning – Shell Road) 5 Lack of industrial / commercial (weak tax base) 4 Poor code enforcement 3 Lack of specialized medical care 3 Education system (could be improved) 2 Lack of transportation alternatives (lack of bike plan, bike lanes, sidewalk connectivity) 1 OPPORTUNITIES

Issue Votes Improve auto and bike circulation (comp bike plan, 971 planning / widening, more/re-timed traffic signals, more traffic law enforcement , drivers ed.)

6

Public transportation 3 Higher standards for appearance (more attractive gateways) 3 Pedestrian mall downtown 3 Diversify medical care (St. David’s) 2 Secure new state government and educational facilities (lower cost public higher education) 2 Retain police / fire with better pay 2 THREATS

Issue Votes Lack of transportation alternatives / improvements (bike, law enforcement) 5 Lack of clean air / water 4 Loss of police / fire (to higher paying jobs) 3 Public apathy towards problems / planning 2 Loss of downtown economic viability 1 Big city problems (crime, vandalism) 1 Lack of low cost public higher education 1

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Inadequate health care 1

Saturday, November 4, 2006 Attendance - 10

GROUP 1 STRENGTHS

Issue Votes Education (school system, university, education for all ages, life-long learning 10 People (community “will”, participation, civic-minded leaders, willingness to accept change, strong values, compassionate, not shoving density down your throat)

8

Natural Features (parks, open space, lakes, San Gabriel River corridors) 8 Small Town Feel / historic square 7 Healthcare (growing healthcare community, community gardens) 5 Safety (low crime rate, public safety) 3 Southwestern University 2 Local Economy (viable commercial center, sustainable economic development) 2 Location (central Texas, City Seat) 2 Affordable housing 1 Rich heritage (maintained through growth) 1 Demographic uniqueness (attracting both retirees and families) 0 WEAKNESSES

Issue Votes Inadequate focus on economic development (becoming bedroom community to Austin, lack of local jobs)

9

Lack of transportation alternatives (public transportation, street car, pedestrian and bicycle network, sidewalks)

9

Traffic flow problems (lack of road connectivity, traffic on Williams Dr. / Leander Rd.) 7 Lack of children’s activities (play areas, things to do) 6 Demographic / social service problems ( growing low-income segment, shrinking middle class, lack of City-wide social service delivery planning, lack of affordable housing)

4

Fast growth / inability to manage 4 Lack of arts community / support for the arts 4 Downtown development (playing catch-up, impact of size of City government on commercial viability)

4

Lack of tolerance / understanding (other religions and cultures) 4 Complex / time-consuming permitting process 2 Fragmented development (donut holes in City limits) 2 Stormwater runoff / flooding 1 Lack of community cohesion 1 Incompatible development (are we prepared for Mc Mansions?) 1

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OPPORTUNITIES

Issue Votes Well managed growth (no sprawl, sustainable, green renewable, focused attention to western growth / Parmer-2338 / planning for infrastructure / school sites, SH 130 corridor)

14

Become a Central Texas destination 6 Educational / cultural enrichment (inexpensive higher education) 5 Sustainable economic development 5 Public / multi-modal transit / transit oriented development 3 New partnerships (City-City social services, integrated public safety) 3 Expand community values and spirit / City becoming a leader in City 2 Exert leadership in fostering generational interaction / cooperation 1 THREATS

Issue Votes Community fragmentation / conflict (generation gap, not welcoming newcomers, ethnic divisions, isolated / gated communities, elitism, lack of commitment to community

8

Loss of character (loss of history, heritage, image) 8 Unwillingness to manage / accept change 6 Lack of infrastructure capacity (falling behind, water / electric capacity) 5 Unwillingness to generate revenues to support growth (being driven by bottom line) 4 Lack of balanced growth / becoming a bedroom community 3 Fear of new / creative solutions 3 Not building on community wealth and skills 3 Loss of access / communication with leaders 1

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TOTALS STRENGTHS

Issue Votes Small town / historic character (downtown, Square , Courthouse) 50 People (diverse, friendly, educated, sense of community, abundant leadership, volunteerism) 39 Parks / Natural Areas (river, trails, lake, Hill Country) 36 Cultural Assets / libraries / education (symphony, schools, lifelong learning) 37 Quality growth /strong economy / preparation for growth (strong economy, growing cultural diversity, availability of local jobs, shopping, growing room, Wolf Ranch, awareness of infrastructure needs, water availability)

29

Location / Accessibility (I-35, proximity to Austin, highways, airport, Central Texas, City Seat) 25 Southwestern University 23 Safety (low crime rate, justice system) 13 Sun City 13 Medical care (St. David’s, Georgetown healthcare, S&W, community gardens) 7 City government / community services responsiveness 5 Housing cost /availability 4 Untapped resources 4 Restaurants 1 Open planning process 1 Climate 1 Youth 1 Motorcycle friendly 1

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WEAKNESSES Issue Votes

Transportation (lack of transit, sidewalks, bike lanes, congestion, Williams Drive, poor traffic management, traffic lights)

47

City government (lack of City attention to small / downtown businesses, zoning inconsistencies / enforcement, spending within budget, small town politics, permitting process, lack of planning for economic development, infrastructure, growth policies, willingness to subsidize everything, fragmentation / duplication of services)

44

Lack of industrial development / weak tax base / lack of quality local jobs / bedroom community

40

Road network / lack of connectivity 27 Community cohesion / divisiveness (lack of diversity, tolerance, exclusivity, Sun City vs. others, old timers vs. newcomers)

17

Lack of local-serving commercial development (lack of restaurants, groceries, retail, hotel-convention center, nightlife, by-the-drink liquor)

20

Education (local schools not what they should be, lack of community college) 10 Housing choice / affordability 11 Fragmented city edges (conflicting jurisdictions, low density rural development, donut holes, annexation policy, city-City regulatory conflicts)

11

Viability of downtown / lack of support 7 Lack of cultural opportunities (for youth) 6 Lack of children’s activities 6 Lack of relationship with Southwestern 4 Loss of green space / natural areas 4 Demographic shifts (growing poor population, poor social services, shrinking middle class) 4 Lack of arts community 4 Lack of specialized medical care 3 Infrastructure limitations (water / sewer capacity, stormwater, flooding) 2 Lack of property maintenance (weeds, junk) 1 Potential for incompatible development (Mc Mansions) 1 No dog park 1 Airport 1

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OPPORTUNITIES

Issue Votes Improve / diversify educational civic and cultural activities (improve local schools, engage Southwestern University, become central Texas destination, life-long educational and cultural enrichment, low cost higher education, cultural center, civic center/auditorium, Lake Georgetown recreation, entertainment, reserve land for future libraries, cultural arts, live-work-play, support local artists, children’s museum, artisans community, secure state government / education facilities)

57

Transportation improvements (public transit, bike trails, sidewalks, improve Williams Drive) 40 Well managed growth (clear plan for land use / zoning, preserve green space, plan for greenbelts, manage growth in corridors / 130 / Parmer, sustainable, no sprawl, focus on western growth area)

29

Economic development / tax base growth (attract quality industry, jobs greater variety of retail, attract tourism)

26

Strengthen downtown (preserve historic character, streamline permits,) 24 Strengthen / retain community character (support downtown investment, stimulate investment, entertainment, hotel convention center, develop San Gabriel waterfront for water park / entertainment, pedestrian mall retain small town character, historic preservation, protect rivers, park / trail system that connects neighborhoods, visually differentiate Georgetown with greenbelt and enhanced gateways, higher standards for appearance, maintain community identity

18

Develop / redevelop new / quality development types (transit-oriented development, quality mixed uses, redevelop I-35 / Williams Drive area, high density development with more green space, small scale development around lakes and rivers)

18

Improve citizen interaction / involvement (organize volunteers better, utilize citizen skills and intellectual capital, foster intergenerational interaction)

10

New partnerships (coordinated City-City social services, integrated public safety, exercise City leadership in City)

5

Expand housing choice / affordability 4 Make internet a public utility 3 Deal with addicted population 2 Diversify medical care 2 Preservation of historical areas 2 Retain police / fire with better pay 2 Set funding priorities 1 Employment for local student graduates 1

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THREATS

Issue Votes Unmanaged Growth (loss of identity / small town atmosphere, swallowed by regional growth, lack of stringent regulations, growth too fast, failure to fund plan, failure to plan for adequate utilities, uncontrolled growth in ETJ / 130 corridor, wasteful low density development, sprawl, loss of open space, erosion of natural beauty, lack of infrastructure capacity)

75

Public attitudes – apathy / divisiveness (focus on selfish issues, lack of contact between generations, socio-economic groups, elitism, gated communities, not welcoming newcomers, unwillingness to accept change, fear of new solutions, not building on community wealth and skills)

36

Transportation problems (inadequate roads, traffic gridlock, failure to develop mass transit / reliance on automobile)

32

Lack of balanced growth / remaining a bedroom community / failure to attract industry 19 Failure of government to act (lack of planning, enforcement, inability to retain leadership and staff, unwillingness to raise funds to deal with growth, loss of communication with leaders, becoming overly indebted)

18

Pollution 10 Inadequate public facilities / services (loss of water quality / availability, loss of police/fire to higher paying jobs, inadequate health care, lack of low cost education)

7

Graying of population / unbalanced demographics 5 Neglect / decline of downtown 4 De-annexation 4 Big City problems / crime 4 No improvement in education 3 Failure to address needs of low income groups 2 Lack of public health training 2 Political apathy 1 Overdevelopment / loss of open space 1 I-35 / other highways 1

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APPENDIX B 2004 Visioning Results