Community engagement is key to successful plan development.
The City of Killeen is developing a new comprehensive plan to shape the future of our city. The public is invited to learn more at a community kickoff meeting Monday, March 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Killeen Civic & Conference Center, 3601 S. WS Young Drive.
Participants will receive valuable information regarding the planning process, research methods, engagement opportunities and plan deliverables. They will also have the opportunity to ask questions and provide input. For those unable to attend, the meeting will be recorded and available for view on the plan website.
City Council will participate in a workshop March 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the conference center. This meeting is open to the public but will not include a public forum.
A comprehensive plan is a collective community vision that guides successful city growth. Through the involvement of stakeholders, the plan identifies long-term issues and builds action items for near-term efforts. Once adopted, the plan is a decision-making tool that helps inform policies and prioritize the investment of public resources to meet shared goals.
The City of Killeen selected Verdunity to develop the comprehensive plan for its commitment to fiscal sustainability, resource-conscious community building and healthy, equitable neighborhoods. Verdunity’s approach identifies what residents are willing and able to pay for and creates a plan to make meaningful progress now with available resources, to close resource gaps and to cultivate an equitable, vibrant and resilient local economy and neighborhoods.
The Killeen Plan will evaluate existing development to identify areas where reinvestment is needed and where potential for redevelopment exists. It will also look at where new development is planned or likely to determine what growth can be supported and afforded.
A successful comprehensive plan will establish community-wide values and priorities and create a framework to align future decisions for land use, transportation networks, public facilities and other projects to meet and uphold them.
Community engagement is needed at every stage of the planning process from every resident and stakeholder. Input will be solicited through surveys, the first of which is available to take now through March 19 on the plan site. Comments will also be accepted throughout the yearlong process at meetings and focus groups and through email and phone.
A comprehensive plan website has been established to provide information about the plan, process and participation. Users can visit at any time or opt-in for emailed updates at www.KilleenTexas.gov/CompPlan.