The Dripping Springs City Council resolved to adopt and implement a revised Comprehensive Plan at the December 14 City Council Meeting.  In addition to adopting the plan, the Council authorized appointment of an Implementation Committee that will work with City Staff to review and recommend changes to the Implementation Schedule.

The City’s first Comprehensive Plan was created and adopted in 1985 and later updated in 1995. An Interim Plan was adopted in 2004.

More than 19 months ago, the process to update the Interim Plan began with a Community Survey and several town hall meetings to gather extensive public feedback on topics important to the development of the city, including demographics, community vision, land use, historic preservation, parks and recreation services, downtown revitalization, housing, and community and economic development.

A Steering Committee was selected by the City Council to ensure that the planning team accurately listened to public comment and would integrate community ideas into the plan.

Key individuals, focus groups, City Commissions and interested citizens all had opportunities in numerous open meetings, Town Hall meetings and workshops to provide public input into the Plan. LCRA Community Planner Chris Holtkamp led the meetings and worked with PEC Community Development Representative Tessa Doehrman to compile the data.

After gathering  information, the Steering Committee worked with the LCRA and PEC staff to develop goals and objectives as well as review the Plan. Additionally, the Plan was reviewed and recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission at their November 16 meeting.

The updated Plan totals more than 200 pages and addresses specific local issues, priorities and concerns. One of the largest concerns brought to the City Council’s attention throughout the process was the public’s overwhelming desire to maintain Dripping Springs’ rural characteristics. This ideal has been set as a cornerstone throughout the Plan.

LCRA Community Planner Chris Holtkamp said the key to success will be the Implementation Committee the City is forming that will work closely with City Staff to review and recommend changes to the Implementation Schedule.  “The Plan provides a clear course of action and will be a powerful tool to assist the City in preparing for future growth,” Holtkamp said.

In addition, Mayor Todd Purcell said the Plan presents useful information regarding core values of the community including economic opportunities, future land use, environmental stewardship and historical preservation. “The Comprehensive Plan is essential to provide context when making decisions regarding these areas,” he said.

A copy of the adopted Comprehensive Plan is posted on the City website at cityofdrippingsprings.com.