Garland, Texas - February 11, 2008 -- February marks the launch of Envision Garland, the City of Garland’s citywide effort to develop a comprehensive plan addressing the opportunities and issues that affect the community’s future.  The project will identify a vision and lay out a master plan to achieve that future, impending challenges, and take full advantage of the opportunities in Garland’s future.  The City of Garland invites all residents, property owners, and business owners to participate in the development of the Envision Garland comprehensive plan.
 
Envision Garland kicks off with a citywide opinion survey, which is included in the February edition of the Garland City Press and is also available online at http://www.envisiongarland.org. Garland residents (ages 18 and up) are encouraged to complete the survey and submit it to the Planning Department by March 15, 2008, as indicated on the survey form.
 
The survey is the first of several opportunities that residents, property owners, business owners, and other stakeholders will have to share their vision, their hopes, and their concerns about Garland’s future.  Throughout 2008, the City will host a series of public workshops and meetings to take additional public input into the development of the new comprehensive plan for Garland.
 
A comprehensive plan is a written document identifying goals, policies, and strategies for the growth and development of a community.  The plan reflects community values and provides a guide for making land use changes, planning capital improvement programs, and directing future growth.  Comprehensive plans often address the topics of land use; economic development; neighborhood vitality; urban design; infrastructure and transportation; parks, open space, and the environment; and special districts within the city. Most importantly, the plan should address those opportunities and issues that will affect the city's growth, development, and vitality in the future.
 
For additional information on Envision Garland, please visit the Envision Garland website at http://www.envisiongarland.org or call (972) 205-2865.