Medical District Transformation

On October 17, 2025

For many years, my monthly calendar included two breakfast meetings for the Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC). As a member, Board member and President in 2004 – 2005, these meetings were a place to connect with friends and colleagues, learn about local initiatives, share my work and contribute to the dialogue about the Dallas area. […]

A New Look at North Texas’ Future

On October 11, 2025

Vision North Texas (VNT) was an innovative public-private-academic partnership, created in 2004 as a forum for discussion about the future growth of the North Texas region. Its first major event, a Regional Visioning Exercise in 2005, brought together stakeholders from the entire region and ended with the conclusion that the people of North Texas want […]

CAPPA Celebrates 10 Years!

On October 11, 2025

October 10, 2025 was a big day for the University of Texas at Arlington – the celebration of 10 years since CAPPA was formed! CAPPA (College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs) was the result of the merger of the School of Urban and Public Affairs (SUPA) and the School of Architecture. It’s been a […]

Karen Walz selected for UTA Advisory Role

On September 25, 2025

The University of Texas at Arlington’s Department of Public Affairs and Planning is revamping its advisory structure beginning in the Fall 2025 semester. Karen Walz FAICP has accepted an invitation to serve on the Advisory Council for the Department’s Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) Program. According to Deden Rukmana, PhD, Professor and Director […]

Community Vision Workshop for Lewisville

On September 19, 2025

The City of Lewisville, Texas adopted its Lewisville 2025 Vision Plan in 2014. Since then, the plan has been a key to Lewisville’s success. Strategic Community Solutions was part of the original consultant team for this plan, and consulted with the City again for its update after five years of progress. That update was slowed […]

Ethics Challenge at Oak Park Commons

On October 20, 2024

The code guiding ethical behavior by professional planners begins: “People who participate in the planning process shall continuously pursue and faithfully serve the public interest.” What does that mean for planners who represent various types of employers or clients, and who are dealing with complex issues that must balance differing public interests? This interactive session, […]

Congratulations to the 2024 Fellows!

On April 16, 2024

I was pleased to celebrate with the latest class of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners. Induction as a Fellow is one of the highest honors a planner can receive. This class has 33 members. Of those, several are friends and colleagues. These include: APA’s website shows the full list of new Fellows. […]

Lone Star Advocacy

On December 15, 2023

The Texas Legislature holds its regular bi-annual session in odd-numbered years. Legislation is often proposed that has an impact on the quality of life for Texas residents and the success of Texas businesses. When legislation relates to decisions about community development and revitalization – decisions often made at a city or county level – the […]

Rising Tides Roulette

On November 10, 2023

In recent years, communities in Texas and around the world have been experiencing storms that are more intense than in the past. Recovery from these events and reduction in damage from future events create numerous challenges. Finding a fair and appropriate balance is an important challenge for communities, their planners and everyone concerned with living […]

It’s Texas, Y’all!