Centennial Master Plan

Master Plan Steering Committee Appointed

In preparation for the City’s 2024 Centennial, the City Council has asked for the development of a new master plan to assist the community with decisions and policies that will preserve and enhance the city for the next generation.  

In August, Council appointed former Mayor Pro Tem Bob Begert committee chairman.  Throughout September, residents wanting to volunteer for a spot on the committee had the opportunity to submit an online application. We shared information about the sign-up process in the Arbor and UPdate, on the City’s social media accounts, and on the City’s website.

In October, after a thorough review process, City Council appointed 15 steering committee members and a vice chair. Those selected represent a broad range of ages, expertise and neighborhoods. Applicants not selected for the steering committee will be asked to participate in the development of the plan through focus groups and other tasks during the course of the anticipated 18-month process.

Steering Committee Roster

• Bob Begert, Chair
• Dawn Moore, Vice Chair
• Claire Baker
• Alex Bell
• Kelley Brown
• Brad Cheves
• Rita Clinton
• Stephen Hudson
• Francie Johnsen
• Darrell Lane
• Michael Malone
• Dan McKeithen
• Jenny Merkle
• Jamie Slagel
• John Stull
• Laura Walsh
• Chris Wright

Background - 1989 Master Plan

The last such effort, that took place more than 30 years ago, resulted from one of the most extensive community planning processes ever undertaken. More than 400 residents, as well as City staff, technical consultants, SMU faculty and staff, and other subject matter experts were involved in the development of that plan.
 
The 1989 Master Plan helped shape the allocation of resources for operational and capital needs, with nearly 200 objectives to accomplish. Of those, a substantial number are ongoing programs that are still in practice today.  One example is the City’s mile-per-year replacement of water and sewer mains, which has resulted in the complete replacement of nearly a third of the City’s aging water and sewer mains.
 
The 1989 Master Plan was formulated with  considerable input from residents through use of a steering committee, community surveys, and public listening sessions. An outside consultant supported staff, and the entire process took approximately 18 months to complete. To replicate this success, a similar public engagement process will be used for our Centennial Master Plan.
 
The 1989 Master Plan keyed on six overall principles:

• Promote individual initiative in forging the community’s future;
• Continue to operate the City on a sound, fiscally conservative basis;
• Preserve and enhance neighborhood character;
• Maintain and improve safety and security;
• Rejuvenate aging streets and utilities;
• Expand two-way communication.