Why is Smart Growth Important to Austin?
Austin and the surrounding Central Texas region is experiencing rapid growth in population, employment, and land area affected by development. The City of Austin has grown from a population of 465,000 in 1990 to over 650,000 people by 2000. By 2010 Austin’s population is projected to reach 800,000 (an increase of almost 19,000 people annually!). Regional projections are even more dramatic; Hays, Travis and Williamson Counties’ combined 2000 population of 1.16 million is projected to increase to over 1.4 million by 2010. This increase in population will inevitably change Austin and central Texas; however, we can guide and shape this future growth to both minimize the negative environmental, economic, and social impacts and to preserve the best aspects of life in our region. Goals of the Smart Growth Initiative There are three major goals of the Smart Growth Initiative: • Determine How and Where We Grow The foundation of the Smart Growth Initiative is the identification of the Desired De
