Vision SMTX Comprehensive Plan Adopted 2024

A COMMUNITY-BASED VISION

Comprehensive plans across the state include topics such as environmental constraints, demographic projections, infrastructure data, and housing in addition to the required land use and transportation topics. Some cities choose to develop more specialized plans to address a particular issue they are facing. Strategic Plans take a more immediate approach and identify short term actions to achieve long term goals. Capital Improvements Plans (CIP) guide the use of the city’s budget. PLANNING IN SAN MARCOS The City of San Marcos is required through its City Charter to maintain a master plan to guide development in the city. Article VII, Section 7.03 states: “The master plan for the City of San Marcos shall be used to guide the growth and development of the city. The master plan shall be adopted by ordinance. The city council will endeavor to ensure that city ordinances governing growth and development are consistent with the goals and actions contained in the master plan; however, land use maps and descriptions contained in the master plan do not constitute zoning, and do not entitle any property owner to any change in zoning.” Currently, the City of San Marcos is operating under the Vision San Marcos: A River Runs Through Us Comprehensive Plan which was originally adopted on April 16, 2013. Although it has only been approximately ten years since the current Comprehensive Plan was written, many changes have occurred within the city; populations, land area, and the number of students at Texas State University have all continued to increase. In addition, advances in technology and social consciousness surrounding sustainability, resiliency, and equity provide a new context for planning. The global COVID-19 pandemic and intense regional growth have also impacted how we live, work, and play as a society. Encouraging an inclusive and equitable future for existing and future residents of San Marcos requires a new plan that engages new and old voices in meaningful conversations about potential futures and their tradeoffs.

“Dianne” mermaid sculpture by Morgan Harberle Egan, Price Center, 222 W San Antonio St.

SAN MARCOS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2024

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