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 quality of life, we need to be proactive and deal with the rapid growth that Pflugerville is facing by partnering to do the following:
Invest in the community by regularly supporting the local tax base and not the neighboring tax base. It is important to frequently shop Pflugerville businesses. If our nearly 32,000 residents do so, what a difference it will make--more sales tax money will remain here and more businesses that meet our needs will locate or remain here. Better roads, parks, police protection, and more are a result. Come Home and Shop (downtown and beyond).
Support the need for city amenities as population grows. Besides capital infrastructure needs, there are different needs for the city that add to the quality of life. The needs may include: a new city hall, parks and green space and their maintenance, hike/bike trails with connections to businesses and neighborhoods, pedestrian-oriented shopping options, an additional or expanded recreation center, Senior Center, public gathering places, additional gateways/city decor, future library expansion or relocation, and an animal shelter.
Enhance our small town welcoming feel by having more citywide events, including those that reflect our rich heritage. Families and individuals of all ages, including visitors and business establishments will benefit from more downtown events, lake events, park events, and the like (e.g., Fourth of July Celebration planning underway, expanding Deutschen Pfest, repeating Old Town Holiday Stroll, smaller events, and more). We are a diverse community with a rich Texas, German, Hispanic, and African American farm town heritage that should celebrate our pioneering, faith-filled, civic spirit.
Get Out and Vote in every local/county/state/federal election. Exercise your right to vote. The more voters who speak at the polls the more government officials pay attention to the needs and priorities of neighborhoods, precincts, and the community as a whole. It is not enough to be registered but to get family members, friends, and neighbors to the polls during early voting or on election day (or vote by mail, if needed).
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.
