City of Round Rock takes home first place awards for excellence in planning

The City of Round Rock was awarded two of the state’s highest planning honors today at the 2021 Texas Annual Planning Conference in Fort Worth.

The American Planning Association (APA) Texas Chapter named Round Rock 2030, the City’s comprehensive plan, the best Comprehensive Plan in the state. Round Rock also received the Community of the Year Award. 

“Round Rock 2030 is an original and visionary comprehensive plan that was written in-house and reflects the wants and needs of a rapidly growing community,” according to the organization’s website. “In particular, the development of the plan’s ‘Vision and Policies’ section broadened citizens’ understanding of planning principles.”

The two-year-long public engagement process resulted in 12 planning policies that include actions to implement the Round Rock 2030 vision, which is that Round Rock is a safe, desirable, family-oriented community that balances progress and prosperity with its history, by prioritizing quality of life, mobility, economic development and thoughtful land use planning.

“To receive this statewide recognition, for both our Comprehensive Plan and our overall community planning efforts, speaks to the quality and dedication of the planning professionals we have here in Round Rock,” Director of Planning and Development Services Brad Wiseman said. “In terms of public engagement, Round Rock 2030 was above and beyond any major planning initiative we’ve done in the past, and helps ensure that our community will continue to be a great place to live for decades to come. I would like to thank all of our staff, the Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council, and the countless residents that took time out of their busy schedules to engage in this lengthy planning process. It is important to note that our staff was able to complete this plan without the assistance of outside consultants, and it would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Susan Brennan, Joelle Jordan and Nicole Haggerty.” 

The Awards Selection Committee evaluated nominees based on originality and innovation, engagement, implementation and effectiveness, quality and promotion of planning. The City received the Community of the Year award, due in part, to the community’s commitment to strong planning principles as embodied in Round Rock 2030. 

“These awards provide a great reminder to all Texans of the value sound planning practices bring in helping communities create unique places for everyone that many people love,” said Chance Sparks, AICP, President of APA-Texas. “Many of these planning efforts took place in the midst of a pandemic, and serve as great examples of the agility and innovation taking place at the local level to respond to the challenges revealed by the pandemic. They are a tribute to the alignment and dedication of communities, staff and elected & appointed officials in enhancing the quality of life of everyone.”

For more information, visit texas.planning.org.

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