FAQ
What is a comprehensive plan and how will it be used?
A comprehensive plan is a policy document that outlines a city’s long-term vision, goals, and the steps involved in achieving them. It analyzes existing and anticipated conditions of the city to plan and prepare for growth and change over the next 20 years, and describes topics including land use, housing, economic development, and transportation.
The plan will inform updates to city policies and regulations (such as the zoning ordinance) as well as the city’s capital improvement program, which allocates funding for infrastructure projects including roadways, parks, and public buildings.
Why is the comprehensive plan being updated?
It is best practice for cities to update their comprehensive plans periodically, typically every five to ten years. This helps to revisit the progress of the current plan and ensures that its strategy reflects any changes in the city context and resident values.
The city’s current comprehensive plan, Progress Galveston, was adopted in October 2011 and largely focused on rebuilding the city after Hurricane Ike. Updating the city's comprehensive plan provides an opportunity to review and analyze fifteen years of change and create an updated planning strategy.
What impact can I have on this process?
Community engagement is a key component and driver for this comprehensive plan update process. Three community workshops are planned throughout 2026 to give residents a chance to make their voices heard. Additionally, residents will have other opportunities such as a table at an existing community event, online engagement, and public meetings to review the draft and final plan.
The project team values every comment received through the community engagement process and plan review periods. The input provided will be analyzed to identify key themes, which will be incorporated into the different components of the plan, including but not limited to the vision, goals, and updates to the future land use map.
Who is working on the plan?
The City of Galveston selected Asakura Robinson, a Houston-based planning firm, to assist with the development of the comprehensive plan update. Asakura Robinson is also working with subconsultants – The Goodman Corporation and Waggonner and Ball Architects to develop a plan that responds to local hazard risks, identifies priorities for capital investments, and is reflective of the collective vision for the future of Galveston.
Where is the funding for the plan coming from?
Funding for this plan is provided by the Texas General Land Office Resilient Communities Program (RCP). This state grant program helps local municipalities plan and adopt policies that make communities more resilient to disasters.