Priorities
Strengthen the Heart of the Community
- Continue to develop the Brazos River Corridor all the way to I-35
This does not mean to limit development only as far as the Interstate but to push forward with deliberate speed. Included in such development would be improving the Convention Center and encouraging hotels for meetings.
- Support inner-city residential and commercial development on both sides of the river
Not only should the vibrancy of activity be stretched further along the river, but it should extend out away from the river, spreading far beyond Martin Luther King Boulevard and University Parks Drive.
- Protect and develop infrastructure, e.g., transportation and water rights
Development in the heart of the community depends on investments in infrastructure such as the low water dam that will stabilize the level of Lake Brazos, the riverwalk, new and improved streets, and an abundant, clean drinking water supply.
- Celebrate the virtual “heart” exemplified through image, pride, and values
The community is characterized by many positive qualities and accomplishments that should be highlighted and promoted locally and outside the area.
Increase Economic Opportunities
- Create, grow, and attract businesses and jobs to retain our educated workforce and accommodate returning talent
People want good jobs for themselves and for their children. If their children leave, they want their kids to be able to return and find good jobs. One way to increase opportunities is to encourage entrepreneurship and small businesses.
- Increase average incomes
One of the most important ways to make local jobs more attractive is to increase compensation.
- Increase the overall level of education in McLennan County
Having a well-educated population makes it easier to attract good jobs. Conversely, students who drop out from school have limited financial prospects.
- Develop an understanding that the entire community shares responsibility for educating every citizen
Tutoring and encouraging students to succeed in school, keeping them engaged in learning, helping them see the relevance of educational attainment, and providing co-ops for exposure to the workplace are just a few of the ways the general public can be involved in increasing the level of education for local students
Engage Leaders
- Identify, recruit, develop, and engage leaders of all ages and from all parts of the area
This community’s diversity takes many forms--economic, ethnic, and religious, among others. There is a desire to capitalize on that diversity in seeking leaders.
- Develop a proactive attitude and encourage multiple vehicles for civic engagement
While some leaders are easy to spot, others may require intentional searching. There need to be new ways for identifying leaders and providing opportunities for persons to grow into leadership roles.
- Leverage current leaders’ ability to inspire future leaders
Many leaders are executives in the workplace, but perhaps more leaders serve as Little League coaches, Den Mothers, Sunday School teachers, mentors, or counselors. Their roles and contributions need to be recognized, and their help is needed in guiding future leaders into pathways resulting in community leadership.
Life Outside the Workplace
- Ensure access to high quality health care now and in the future
The community is fortunate to have two local nonprofit hospitals and many specialists; however, a growing uninsured population means many do not have access to the health care they need and unreimbursed care threatens the financial well-being of medical providers.
- Host, package, and market outdoor recreational sporting events
With fabulous sports facilities, Cameron Park, Lake Brazos and Lake Waco, and numerous golf courses, the community is well-equipped to be a top destination for outdoor events.
- Encourage diverse entertainment options, preferably on or near the river
Increasing the amount and types of entertainment will make the community more attractive to young adults. Putting live music and other recreational diversions near the river builds on the investment to create a dining and entertainment district that will draw locals and visitors alike.
- Continue to support abundant cultural opportunities
The community is rich in cultural resources, such as museums and live theater. Again, these resources enhance life for local residents and also cause guests to visit the area. Selection as the site of the George W. Bush Presidential Library or designation of the Mammoth site as a National Park would have huge implications for the community.
- Enhance all transportation infrastructure to assure access to and within the community
Major vehicular arteries must make it convenient for persons to go from the highway to the heart of the city and other parts of the community. Other transportation options should be plentiful. Once in the community, streets should be easy to navigate, and public transportation should provide a good alternative to private vehicles.
Develop Our Distinct Advantage
- Continue to develop and showcase the Brazos River Corridor
Intentional planning and investment will be required to
capitalize on the unique opportunities created by a river
running through the heart of the community.
- Promote the “Hometown Feel with Worldwide Opportunities”
The community is recognized as a great place to raise a family,
with the easy friendliness of a smaller town and the amenities
and sophistication of a big city.
- Capitalize on our educational resources
With three institutions of higher learning, the community should benefit from research and development to technology
transfer and workforce development; from degrees in healthcare to creation of new drugs; from education of teachers to the Physics Circus; from courses in cooking to courses in Italian; from collegiate athletics to opera
performances.
- Become recognized as a center for aviation commerce
Building on the synergy of numerous businesses in aviation, avionics, and related services, the community has the opportunity to develop an international reputation as a center for expertise, engineering, and employment in this field.
