This year, several long-running projects for Strategic Community Solutions LLC (SCS) were completed.

This summer saw the completion of an update to Lewisville’s Green Centerpiece Master Strategy. First adopted in 2016, this strategy addresses almost 7,000 acres of land adjacent to Lewisville Lake, including management of important natural habitat and research areas, educational programs for students from elementary school to college, and initiatives to connect this natural area to Lewisville’s residents and businesses. The new strategy reflects accomplishments and lessons learned in the last six years, as well as an increased emphasis on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. It has been approved by the Lewisville City Council, the Lewisville Independent School District Board and the University of North Texas.

The Lewisville City Council also unanimously adopted a completely-overhauled Unified Development Code in November. This has been a major effort, the first complete reworking of their development regulations since the 1970’s. Kimley-Horn, Inc. was the lead firm; SCS and City Centric Planning rounded out the consulting team. The new code should streamline the development review and approval process, while changing regulations and incentives to support implementation of the community’s Lewisville 2025 Vision Plan.

In August, the Town of Addison completed the Midway South Special Area Study that will guide development, design and neighborhood compatibility for revitalization of an aging commercial area along a major roadway. The SCS team, including Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., worked with the Town staff and community on the creation of this plan beginning in 2014.

SCS worked with the City of Roanoke to create a five-year Strategic Plan in 2015. At the end of five years, COVID delayed their planned update. This year, having completed all the capital projects identified in the earlier plan, the City engaged SCS to develop an update. After three productive City Council workshops, the plan is being drafted and should be completed early in 2023.

Karen has continued to serve as a Co-chair for the American Planning Association, Texas Chapter’s efforts on advocacy for planning and planners in the state. Since the Texas Legislature only meets in odd-numbered years, the advocacy team’s work this year focused on updating informational materials, expanding committee membership and developing policy positions related to issues likely to arise when the Legislature returns in January 2023.

In 2023, Karen will be taking a break from intensive client projects so she can examine the issues, topics or projects that will be most interesting and gratifying in the future. Stay tuned!