A new comprehensive plan, Garland Forward, is coming soon! Your input is crucial as we work together to create a plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of our entire community. Here’s how you can participate:
- Go to the Garland Forward website and take our survey.
- Attend one of a series of pop-up events Tuesday, Sept. 10. The first will occur from 10 to 11 a.m. at Starbucks, 4280 Lavon Drive, and La Mejor Panaderia, 1725 S. First St. From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., additional pop-ups will take place in the Downtown Square and at Starbucks, 6075 Broadway Blvd.
- Attend the Community Kickoff Event from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, at The Atrium at the Granville Arts Center, 300 North Fifth Street. The event will feature a brief presentation and engaging activities relating to Garland that can be explored at your own pace.
Whether you can spare just a few minutes or stay for the entire hour, your participation is valuable and helps shape the future of our community!
A comprehensive plan identifies goals, policies and strategies for the growth and development of our community. This type of plan addresses demographic shifts, including population growth, to ensure development decisions remain responsive to our community needs, and confirms infrastructure investments that support the city’s growth and improve the quality of life for Garland residents.
Comprehensive plans often address topics such as:
- Economic development
- Infrastructure and transportation
- Land use
- Neighborhood vitality
- Parks, open space and the environment
- Special districts within the city
- Urban design
The website, survey and planned virtual and in-person workshops are all opportunities for public input during the 20-month plan creation timeline. Getting involved allows your voice to be heard and also ensures that the plan reflects the priorities of our community.
Legally required to have and maintain a comprehensive plan, the city of Garland’s first comprehensive plan was developed in the 1960s. Our current Envision Garland Comprehensive Plan was adopted in March 2012, so it’s time for an update!
Funding for the new comprehensive plan was approved by City Council in the 2023-24 fiscal year budget. Verdunity, a Texas-based planning, engineering and community engagement firm, is working with us on the plan update. The new plan will align with and will incorporate other recently adopted master plans such as the Economic Development Strategic Plan and the Trails & Bikeways Master Plan, as well as other adopted catalyst area and small area plans like the I-30 Corridor Catalyst Area Plan and Medical District Area Plan.
Information and photo provided by city of Garland.