A big 75th celebration!

On July 26, 2021

Thursday, July 22nd, the Greater Dallas Planning Council celebrated 75 years of involvement in the Dallas region! It was a great crowd with lots of stories to share about the past and even more enthusiasm for the future. Karen was one of the former Presidents who spoke on a panel about the GDPC’s impact. She […]

Wow! 75 years!

On July 21, 2021

This year, the Greater Dallas Planning Council is celebrating 75 years of impact on the character and quality of life in this region! A retrospective event on Thursday, July 22nd will be both in person and virtual. Karen is honored to be part of the panel reflecting on the accomplishments of the organizations. Here’s her […]

Improving quality of life in a Richardson neighborhood

On July 21, 2021

The City of Richardson, Texas included the improvements to West Prairie Creek Drive in its 2015 bond program. Earlier this year, an online survey revealed that many nearby residents were concerned about the preliminary plans for these improvements, which address water, sewer, traffic, parking and pedestrian safety. After the City revised these plans in response […]

Bi-annual Workshop explores new ideas

On July 21, 2021

Again this year, Strategic Community Solutions LLC has been asked to work with the Board of Directors of the American Planning Association, Texas Chapter to develop the priorities and action plan for the next two years. These Action Plans are structured to set the priorities for the organization as a new President takes office. This […]

APA Texas takes a new approach to advocacy

On July 21, 2021

In the past, the American Planning Association’s Texas Chapter has often found itself playing catch-up when it comes to advocacy for planning and planners. For some in the Texas Legislature, planners have often been stereotyped as bureaucrats standing in the way of progress. In preparation for this year’s legislative session, the Chapter chose to take […]

New direction for fast-growing Anna, Texas

On July 21, 2021

The City of Anna, Texas has a new set of three coordinated plans to guide its fast-paced growth! On April 27, 2021, the Anna City Council unanimously adopted a new Comprehensive Plan, a Downtown Master Plan, and a Parks, Open Space and Trails Master Plan. Strategic Community Solutions was a member of the consultant team, […]

Lewisville approves its updated plan!

On July 21, 2021

Since its adoption in 2014, the Lewisville 2025 vision plan has reshaped the vision and priorities of this community. It’s been recognized with state and national awards and has dramatically increased community involvement. But in 2019, five years later, the City decided it was time to assess progress and update the plan to address new […]

Check out ‘Rethinking Together’

On June 18, 2020

Citylab High School Foundation held a fascinating virtual dialogue about ‘Rethinking Together’ on May 26, 2020. Karen Walz FAICP was one of three panelists who examined how the COVID-19 pandemic will change the way cities and buildings are designed. The moderator, Kourtney Garrett, President and CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc., had a great set of […]

Rethinking Together

On May 21, 2020

How is the current COVID experience changing the future of architecture, planning and the environment? If you’ve got opinions on this, please share them at a webiner next week. It’s sponsored by the Citylab High School Foundation. Karen Walz is a featured speaker, along with Kourtny Garrett of Downtown Dallas, Inc. and Ross Conway of […]

Karen Walz joins the CityLab High School Foundation Advisory Council

On May 19, 2020

Karen is pleased to be joining the Advisory Council for the CityLab High School Foundation. As they explain, “This Council consists of thoughtful community leaders who advise and support CityLab High School Foundation. The Foundation supports CityLab, a DISD Choice high school introducing students to architecture, urban planning and environmental science through rigorous project-based curriculum. Using downtown Dallas […]