From kayaking and fishing to flooding and erosion, Austin’s creeks and lakes have a huge impact on the lives of Austinites. At the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department, we manage these resources. We are seeking community input to guide the creation of our next strategic plan called Rain to River: A Strategic Plan to Protect Austin’s Creeks and Communities. This plan will guide the priorities and decision-making of our work for the next decade.
We need your help! Austinites can share their thoughts in several ways. The community is invited to a virtual kick-off event on Tuesday, April 19, from 6:30-8:00 pm. Attendees will learn more about Rain to River and how to share their input. Visit https://publicinput.com/BX1330 for meeting information. A recording will be posted on the website after the event if you are unable to attend.
Residents are encouraged to share their vision for Austin’s creeks and communities by completing Community Vision Survey. In order to create a plan that reflects the values and priorities of all Austinites, we will dedicate extra time and resources toward engaging people of color and low-income communities who have been left out of past planning processes. For those interested in more involvement, consider filling out an application (en español) to be a Community Ambassador.
“In my role as director, I hear from community members all the time and I know Austinites have strong opinions about our work, the need to protect the environment around our creeks and how to make Austin safer from floods,” said Jorge Morales, Director of the Watershed Protection Department. “I really encourage everyone to participate in Rain to River at whatever level feels right to them. Take our survey, become a Community Ambassador, or invite us to an event in your community. We can’t do this without your involvement!”
Together, we can protect Austin’s natural spaces, waterways, and drainage infrastructure. Visit www.raintoriveratx.com to learn more about Rain to River, the work of the department, and why Watershed Protection is updating the plan.