2009 was a productive year for ECT. Click here to read the 2009 Accomplishments Report for an overview of activities and outcomes in each of our program areas.

In 2010, ECT will continue to build on these efforts, focusing specifically on improving the coordination of regional infrastructure and advocating for tools, resources and policies that support the Region's Vision.

The ECT Regional Forum Series will bring together diverse stakeholders to examine the critical infrastructure needs and resource constraints facing our region and how to translate these challenges into opportunities. Be sure to mark your calendar for ECT's first Regional Forum "More People, Less Money, What Now?" which will examine transportation and water infrastructure coordination and financing issues. The event will be on Wednesday, March 31, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Four Seasons Austin. Event details coming soon.
 
ECT will also continue to advance tools, such as the Central Texas Greenprint for Growth, and advocacy efforts on issues including county growth management authority and transportation funding. Another forum in the ECT Series will be the 82nd Legislative Session Preview in November of 2010. For more on ECT's 2010 Program of Work, click here.

CAMPO adds Bastrop and Caldwell Counties to Planning Area

In January, the board of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) unanimously approved adding Bastrop and Caldwell counties to its membership. CAMPO, our region's Metropolitan Planning Organization, coordinates regional transportation planning with various jurisdictions and agencies, and is responsible for approving the use of federal transportation funds within the region. Previously, CAMPO's planning area was comprised of Hays, Travis and Williamson counties. The CAMPO board also elected Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe as chairman, replacing former chair, Senator Kirk Watson. CAMPO is continuing to work on its 25 year transportation plan, "People, Planning and Preparing for the Future", with a final round of focused public involvement coming in the spring of 2010. Visit the CAMPO website to learn more and receive updates about the next public input phase of the process.

The Central Texas Sustainability Indicators Project (CTSIP) has just released its 2009 Data Report, providing a valuable review of key regional trends on issues such as public safety, education, social equity, health, environment, and land use/mobility. Since 2000, CTSIP Data Reports have offered a comprehensive view of our region and offered leaders and communities critical information on areas where action is needed to ensure sustainability. In 2009, Burnet County was added to the reporting area, which also includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties. Click here to download a copy of the report.

City of Austin seeking input on new Comprehensive Plan

Imagine Austin is a two-year process to create a new plan for the future of Austin, dealing with land use, transportation, environment, health and human services, parks, and many other topics. This new Comprehensive Plan is vitally important, as it will direct city policies on long-term growth and development. Austin residents, property owners, and workers are urged to get involved and give voice to their vision for the future of the City. During this phase of Imagine Austin, you can weigh in by completing the Issues and Aspirations survey at any Austin library or online at www.imagineaustin.net/survey.htm. Austinites can also host their own planning party called "Meeting in a box". Find out more online at www.imagineaustin.net/getmeeting.htm or by calling Kathleen Fox at 974-7877. Other surveys and input opportunities will continue through 2011. For more information or to receive updates about the process, visit www.ImagineAustin.net.

Don't miss Enhancing the Congress Avenue Experience: Leading Downtown Into the Future for an interactive exploration of how great public streets contribute to the life of a city, how Congress Avenue performs, and what you can do to help bring about its full potential. This event will take place on February 26 at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel. Participate in the free design charrette from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. to identify the strategies and tactics for creating an improved pedestrian environment in downtown Austin. Then attend the luncheon ($35) featuring Max Reim, principal and co-managing partner of Live Work Learn Play LLP, who is an expert in envisioning, creating and operating environmentally and financially sustainable destinations. This event is sponsored by the Downtown Austin Alliance, with event partners including AIA Austin, Capital Metro, Congress for the New Urbanism, Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association, Envision Central Texas, Heritage Society of Austin, Real Estate Council of Austin, and the U.S. Green Building Council. Click here for more details.

The 16th Texas Trails & Active Transportation Conference is taking place in Austin February 3 through 6 at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center. This conference brings together leading national, state and local experts and will feature over 50 topics and 70 speakers on existing and cutting edge "active transportation" issues. Expanding on previous motorized and non-motorized trails focus, this year's conference will include even more bicycling, walking and Safe Routes to Schools sessions. Get more details and registration information by clicking here.

Join the Central Texas Chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanism on February 3, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a panel discussion on "The New Mixed-Use Market" featuring Michele Gary, vice president, The Weitzman Group, Perry Lorenz, founder, Constructive Ventures, and Jennifer Wiebrand, development associate, Gables Residential. The panel will be moderated by CNU Board member Tom Yantis and will explore what is selling, what is struggling and how projects can succeed in 2010. Click here for details.