The City received a General Plan Award through the APA Central Texas Chapter and a Best Practice Award - Silver through the APA Texas Chapter. These awards are given to a specific planning tool, practice, program, project, or process that emphasizes results and demonstrates how innovative and state-of-the-art planning methods and practices help to create communities of lasting value.
Adopted in March 2021, the Downtown Design project was an initiative directed by City Council to update architectural design standards and guidelines for buildings within downtown San Marcos and included community input, policy guidance, and stakeholder expertise. The project is recognized for exemplary work and high-quality planning by creating a community-driven process to ensure the look and feel of downtown represent the unique needs and desires of the San Marcos community.
“Community planning provides an opportunity for all residents to be meaningfully involved in making choices that determine the future of San Marcos,” said Planning Manager Andrea Villalobos. “We are extremely proud to be recognized by the American Planning Association and commend our community members, boards, commissions, City Council, and city staff members for their participation and dedication to the project to ensure its success.”
For more information about the Downtown Design Project, visit sanmarcostx.gov/downtowndesign. For media inquiries, contact communicationsinfo@sanmarcostx.gov.
About the Planning & Development Services Department: The Planning & Development Services Department’s goal is to manage the growth and development of the community by carrying out adopted Council policies and providing professional expertise. Planning & Development Services is the primary liaison for boards and commissions that oversee development and includes Pre-Development, Planning, Permit Center, Building Inspections, GIS management, and Community Development Block Grant programs.
About the American Planning Association (APA): The APA is a national professional planning organization and includes the American Institute of Certified Planners which provides the only nationwide, independent verification of planners' qualifications. Each year, National and State chapters recognize individuals, organizations, and communities for outstanding contributions to planning.
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