Austin City Council on Thursday launched a community-centered effort to update the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, the City’s roadmap for guiding investments and decisions in the decades to come.

“Austin’s more than a city. It’s a feeling. And we want that feeling to last for generations,” said Mayor Kirk Watson. “This update to Imagine Austin is about making sure our city keeps a sense of possibility and connection as we grow. It’s about holding on to what makes Austin special, while thinking big and planning smart for the future.”

Council originally adopted Imagine Austin in 2012. Over the past 13 years, however, Austin’s population has grown and changed, and new challenges have emerged. The update will ensure the plan provides clear and actionable guidance on investments, infrastructure, and decision-making for the next 20 years. Council’s vote on Thursday also emphasized the importance of broad and representative community engagement during the update.

Working side-by-side with a community working group, City staff will engage with residents throughout the fall to explain the update process and listen to their needs and priorities. The Planning Department’s holistic approach will feature in-person events, digital and physical surveys, workshops, focus groups, and ongoing dialogue with community organizations, other City departments, elected officials, and regional partners — as well as continuing the Imagine Austin Speaker Series events.

“This process is rooted in listening and the Planning Department is ready to reach out across the community to make it easy for Austinites to weigh in,” said Planning Director Lauren Middleton-Pratt. “We want to make sure everyone’s voice counts, especially the ones that haven’t always been heard. That’s how we build a plan that truly reflects all of Austin.”

The update will feature a framework for action and accountability and a focus on implementation. It will also include regular updates and check-ins to ensure consistent compliance with Imagine Austin’s collaborative vision.

Following the community engagement phase, staff will present a draft of the update for public review in 2027. Council will vote to adopt the updated version of Imagine Austin later that year. Residents can learn more about Imagine Austin, the update process, and upcoming engagement opportunities on the City’s SpeakUp Austin page.

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