The issues of economic development, quality of life, and communication-infrastructure are inter-related. A change in one area impacts another--it requires a balance of each interest. To maintain and improve our internal and external communication as well as infrastructure, we need to be proactive and deal with the rapid growth that Pflugerville is facing by partnering to do the following:
Open communication and sharing of information and ideas in a timely manner between citizens and city government. This includes internal and external communication and workflow between City Council/staff, boards, commissions, committees, and other stakeholders--keeping people in the loop and on the same page. When necessary, neutral third parties may be brought in to assist city staff with gathering of public input. It will lead to an engaged and informed citizenry with better and more informed decision-making on behalf of and in collaboration with all parties--deliberative democracy.
Strong and aggressive marketing of city and image. We need to strengthen our efforts to showcase to investors and visitors what Pflugerville has to offer and what sets us apart from other communities--working closely with landowners to make this happen; plus, promote a visitor center and have more promotional and directional signage for city themes, events, and venues.
Provide the necessary infrastructure to support economic development and stimulate the private sector. Infrastructure includes transportation (roads, easing of congestion, connectivity), utilities (water, wastewater/sewer, electricity), and parks. This all requires regular short-term, mid-term, and long-term comprehensive planning, which Council and city staff/appointees are doing and should continue to do so, including regular reports/updates. Economic development will follow and enable the lowering of homeowner taxes, will support public safety needs, city staff and services, and help support infrastructure needs.
Enhance working relationships with other local/county/regional/state/U.S. government entities for better governance, needs assessment/planning, information sharing, and disaster preparedness. Continue, expand, or develop efforts to partner and collaborate with groups such as the Pflugerville Independent School District, Emergency Services District #2, Travis County Commissioners, State Representatives/Senator, U.S. Congressman/Senators, Texas Department of Transportation, Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Capital Area Planning Council of Governments, Mayor's Alliance, Envision Central Texas, and other local/county/regional/state/U.S. entities.
Note: The above are ideas for stimulating future discussion with and between City Council/staff, neighborhood/ community leaders, Pflugerville's residents (taxpayers/voters), and area stakeholders. Ideas are based on past 10 years of active involvement in various organizations/efforts including Pflugerville Council of Neighborhood Associations, Downtown Planning Committee, City Council and other board/commission/committee meetings/work sessions, Pflugerville Downtown Association, Chamber of Commerce, Travis County 2005 Citizens Bond Committee, Pflugerville Police Department, Pflugerville Area Community Council, neighborhood meeting/workgroups, Envision Central Texas, working closely with city staff and Pflugerville Community Development Corporation staff, and more. The above includes relevant components of city's Downtown Master Plan 2004 and Economic Development Plan 2002.
