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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

A New Plan for Anna

On April 15, 2020

Last night the City Council of Anna, Texas approved a contract for a consultant team to work with them on three important plans — an update to the Comprehensive Plan, a Downtown Master Plan, and a Park, Trails and Open Space Master Plan. The lead consulting firm on the team is Kimley-Horn, Inc. Strategic Community […]

Lewisville City Council Retreat

On February 24, 2020

This year’s City Council retreat included intense discussions on a large number of current issues and projects. The Lewisville 2025 Update was one of those. Karen presented the results of the outreach efforts and Touchpoint events. City Manager Donna Barron and other staff members added their perspectives. City Council provided direction on the updated plan’s […]

Lewisville 2025 Update Touchpoint

On January 31, 2020

The next stage of community involvement builds on the input received from the community. A major outreach effort, Touchpoint included a range of activities and options for stakeholder involvement on January 29 and 30, 2020. SCS designed the process and overall structure; the details were established in collaboration with key City staff members and staff […]

Collins-Arapaho TOD/Innovation District rezoning approved

On December 10, 2019

On December 9, 2019, the City of Richardson adopted its Collins-Arapaho TOD/Innovation District rezoning! Few cities would initiate a rezoning of about 1,200 acres of developed private property. But for Richardson, rezoning is a critical step in the transformation of this employment center, which is an aging light industrial area adjacent to a DART light […]

Flooding Beyond FEMA

On November 9, 2019

This was the topic of the second session SCS led at the APA Texas 2019 annual conference. Karen Walz organized and moderated the session. It featured Jennifer Dyke P.E., Senior Planner in the City of Fort Worth’s Transportation and Public Works Department and Ben Pylant P.E., Senior Project Manager with Halff Associates, Inc. We shared […]

Engaging the Extremes

On November 8, 2019

The first session SCS led at the APA Texas 2019 annual conference in Waco was an interactive workshop giving participants skills and experience in managing public engagement when people with extreme and opposing views are involved. Karen Walz presented a structure for designing public input initiatives so that people with diverse views can be heard, […]

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