National Planning Month: How Round Rock plans for the future

Published on October 17, 2024 under RRnews

Editor’s note: The American Planning Association and planners from across the country to celebrate National Community Planning Month in October to highlight the lasting value planning has on our cities. The City of Round Rock’s Planning and Development Services Department follows the guidance of the Round Rock City Council and works to ensure 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. This month, we invite you to get to know Round Rock’s planners, explore how planning has shaped our community, and learn about the City’s comprehensive plan, Round Rock 2030.

As Round Rock continues to grow, there’s one city department working behind the scenes to help shape the identity and physical form of our community—the Planning and Development Services (PDS) Department. Here’s a look at how the PDS Department is making sure Round Rock can manage growth strategically while meeting the unique needs and preferences of our residents:

Future forward planning

The Round Rock 2030 comprehensive plan, coordinated through the PDS Department and adopted in 2020, serves as the City’s blueprint for managing growth over the next decade. The plain aims to ensure that Round Rock preserves its appeal as a great place to live, work and raise a family, while keeping an eye on the long-term picture. This plan was shaped by public input and has 12 guiding policies with specific implementation strategies. It guides everything from land use to infrastructure improvements, incorporating information from other master plans. In the past year alone, the City has adopted updates to its Transportation Master Plan, Water Conservation Plan, Drought Contingency Plan, and the 2024-2028 Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Plan for distribution of federal funding. Check out last week’s Round Rock 2030 annual update to City Council, presented by Planning and Development Services Director Brad Dushkin:

This month, Round Rock’s PDS Department was recognized by the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association in 2024 with the Richard R. Lillie Planning Excellence Award. The award recognizes the professional qualifications and training of staff planners, the breadth and currency of comprehensive plan components, and the successful completion of a variety of planning projects.

*Members of Round Rock’s PDS Department receive a proclamation for “National Planning Month” from Mayor Craig Morgan on Oct. 10.*

Balancing growth and development

By using tools like the Future Land Use Map, the Planning Department helps guide development in a way that’s strategic and adaptable. This ensures that Round Rock grows in the right places while maintaining flexibility to adjust as the city’s needs evolve.

Exploring new housing options

Need we say more? Housing prices are generally determined by market forces, but it’s clear that housing affordability is a main concern for Central Texas residents. Housing is a priority policy area in the Round Rock 2030 plan, and the Planning Department is working with developers to ensure there’s a mix of options for current and future residents. The department’s most recent Housing Report looks at “missing middle” housing types, like duplexes and townhomes, to offer more affordable alternatives to traditional single-family homes and large apartment complexes.

Powering data-driven decision making

The PDS Department provides solid data that City leaders can use to form policy decisions. From population projections to land use trends, their work is backed by careful analysis. This approach helps the City ensure that resources are planned wisely as the City continues to grow.

Preserving the history that makes Round Rock special

While planning for the future, the PDS Department also values the community’s rich history. Their work in historic preservation ensures that Round Rock’s character isn’t lost in the midst of growth. Be sure to check out the City’s Local Legends program, and participate by nominating individuals, families, places, businesses, groups, institutions, publications, and/or organizations that have had a lasting impact on the culture, development, and history of Round Rock.

Want to learn more about planning in Round Rock? Check out the links below or visit roundrocktexas.gov/planning.