Austin Planning Team Proposes Major Update to 25-Year-Old Watershed Protection Plan

The Austin Climate, Water, Environment, and Parks Committee convened on August 27, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding the Watershed Protection Master Plan, which has not been comprehensively revised in over two decades. The meeting began with a presentation by Erin Wood, the Planning Team Manager, and Sari Albornoz, a Senior Planner, who outlined the necessity for a major overhaul of the existing plan, originally adopted in 2001.

Wood emphasized the urgency of updating the plan in light of recent flooding events that have highlighted Central Texas's vulnerability to flash flooding. The new strategic plan, dubbed "Range River," aims to address contemporary challenges such as climate change, population growth, and systemic inequities that were not adequately considered in the previous version. The updated plan will serve as a guiding framework for the next ten years, establishing clear goals and objectives while incorporating community input and prioritizing equity.

The committee discussed the importance of robust community engagement in the planning process. Wood noted that past efforts did not sufficiently capture the diverse voices of Austin's residents. The new approach includes extensive outreach to historically marginalized groups, ensuring that the plan reflects the needs and experiences of all community members. This engagement strategy involves compensating participants for their time and fostering long-term relationships with stakeholders.

The timeline for the project was also outlined, indicating that community engagement began in 2022 and will continue through 2025. A consultant team was brought on board to enhance the engagement process, allowing for deeper insights and more inclusive participation. The committee is currently in the second phase of community engagement, focusing on prioritizing resources and strategies for the next decade.

As the meeting concluded, Wood and Albornoz expressed their commitment to sharing a draft of the updated plan with the community by winter 2025, with the goal of presenting it to the Environmental Commission and ultimately to the City Council for adoption in 2026. The committee's discussions underscored the critical need for a modernized approach to watershed protection that is equitable, community-driven, and responsive to the evolving challenges faced by Austin.