American Planning Association Names Austin Watershed Protection 2026 Gold Winner For Rain to River Strategic Plan

Austin, TX - The American Planning Association Texas Chapter (APA Texas) has selected Austin Watershed Protection as a Gold Winner in their 2026 Texas Planning Awards for Rain to River: A Strategic Plan to Protect Austin’s Creeks and Communities. The department’s plan was recognized in the Environmental Planning category.

The APA Texas Planning Awards Program recognizes individuals, organizations and communities for outstanding contributions to planning in Texas. The program honors planning efforts that demonstrate meaningful engagement, effective implementation, and lasting benefits for communities across the state. The Environmental Planning award recognizes efforts that create more sustainable and resilient communities, reduce the impacts of development, and improve environmental quality. The award also reflects the effectiveness and potential long-term impacts of the strategic plan and the principles used to develop it.

Rain to River provides a strategy for protecting Austin’s creeks and watersheds while strengthening the resilience of our communities. Rain to River was shaped through a robust, multi-year community engagement process to establish a clear direction and shared vision for the department. The plan connects stewardship, community needs, and proactive planning to address watershed problems and guide future investments. Rain to River demonstrates how environmental planning can deliver benefits for both people and nature. 

“This honor from APA Texas is a tremendous recognition of the vision and collaboration behind our strategic plan, Rain to River,” said Austin Watershed Protection director Jorge Morales. “When we plan for healthier creeks and watersheds, we are also planning for safer, more resilient, and more livable communities. Rain to River gives the city and the community a strategic path to do that work together.”

For more information, visit Rain to River: A Strategic Plan to Protect Austin’s Creeks and Communities. 

About Austin Watershed Protection

Austin Watershed Protection protects lives, property, and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion, and water pollution. Visit AustinTexas.gov/Watershed to learn more.