20260415-003, Rain to River Strategic Plan Presentation — original pdf

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Rain to River: Austin Watershed Protection Strategic Plan Review and Adoption Environmental Commission Austin Watershed Protection | April 15, 2026 What is Rain to River? Austin Watershed Protection’s Strategic Plan to Protect Austin’s Creeks and Communities Guiding Blueprint for Department Communication Resource – Establishes our mission, – Helps explain our vision, and values – Sets strategies and direction for the next 10 years work and priorities to staff, policymakers, and the community Note: Rain to River will update and replace the current Watershed Protection Strategic Plan 2 Guiding Principles for the Plan • • • • • • Center the needs of vulnerable populations Engage the community through clear and open communication Align our aspirations with community priorities Strengthen partnerships for greater impact Empower our leaders to advocate for our mission Create a dynamic and inclusive framework 3 Plan Highlights • Our mission remains unchanged to reduce the impacts of flooding, erosion, and water pollution • Reflects how we will strengthen and adapt our work to center community and build resilience • Expands our focus to include community voices, lived experience, and shared stewardship as essential components of our infrastructure • Holistic and proactive approach that balances immediate needs with our long-term vision • Equity not as a one-time initiative, but as an ongoing practice rooted in accountability and trust 4 Our Challenges • Climate change is driving more extreme weather, including more intense storms and prolonged drought • Historic inequities have left some neighborhoods more exposed to flooding and degraded waterways • Urbanization and development add pressure to our natural environment and infrastructure • Housing costs are driving displacement of residents and an increase in people experiencing homelessness 5 Community Engagement • Robust and inclusive process that spanned multiple years • We identified stakeholder groups that have been historically underrepresented in our past planning efforts and worked to engage with them more directly • We partnered with local organizations, community ambassadors, and advocacy groups to reach residents in every district • Engagement took many forms—surveys, interviews, focus groups, neighborhood meetings, and community events 6 Community Activation Group The Community Activation Group (CAG) helped shape the content of the plan and ensured that the diverse voices of our community are integral to the Rain to River planning process and Austin Watershed Protection’s work. • Diverse community leaders with expertise in the environment, community health, and disaster preparedness and recovery • Helped shape the plan via: ✓ Synthesis of community feedback ✓ Helping design & broadcast survey ✓ Community asset mapping ✓ Brainstorming goals and metrics 7 What’s in the plan? Introduction Discover how this plan is different and how it came together Understand Learn about our mission, values, and the work we do Envision Explore the vision and community priorities that guide us Enact Dive into our commitments and strategies for the next decade 8 Department Mission To protect the lives, property, and environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion, and water pollution. Department Goals • Safeguard lives and reduce the impact of flooding to the Austin community. • Create a safe and stable stream system that protects the Austin community from erosion and encourages the use and enjoyment of Austin’s creeks and lakes. • Protect and improve the health of Austin's creeks, rivers, lakes, and springs to provide clean and flowing water for all. • Protect and enhance the condition and function of the City's drainage infrastructure, including creeks, drainage channels, storm drain pipes, tunnels, and stormwater ponds. 9 Department Vision We aspire to an equitable, resilient Austin for current and future generations, where our natural and built environments work in harmony to ensure our community feels safe when it rains and our waterways are healthy. Department Values We are STEWARDS Service – Show Up Teamwork – Paddle Together Equity – Lift All Boats Wisdom – Reflect And Listen Accountability – Anchor Trust Resilience – Ride The Waves Dedication – Dive In Sustainability – Shape Tomorrow 10 Community Vision ▪ A future where Austin’s creeks, rivers, and green spaces are healthy, vibrant, and accessible to everyone ▪ Watershed protection as a social contract between the City and the community, built on trust, collaboration, and accountability ▪ Planning and solutions shaped through co-creation, with historically marginalized voices centered in decisions ▪ Waterways and natural spaces not divided by zip code but treated as shared spaces for connection, learning, and care ▪ A vision that elevates not just what we protect, but how we work together to protect it 11 Community Priorities 1. Equity and Inclusion Ensure historically underserved communities have equitable access to resources and decision-making processes. 2. Flood Mitigation and Emergency Preparedness Protect lives and property by addressing flooding and erosion proactively. 3. Climate Resilience and Sustainability Integrate climate adaptation strategies to address drought, extreme heat, and habitat loss. 4. Natural Resource Protection and Restoration Preserve, restore, and enhance Austin's creeks, lakes, and natural spaces. 5. Trust and Collaboration Ensure natural spaces are safe, inviting, and accessible for all residents. 12 Community Priorities 6. Accessibility and Public Engagement Ensure natural spaces are safe, inviting, and accessible for all residents. 7. Sustainable Development and Growth Balance urban growth with environmental health and sustainability. 8. Support for Unhoused and Vulnerable Populations Provide resources and safety for unhoused individuals while addressing systemic issues. 9. Education and Youth Engagement Foster a culture of environmental stewardship and resilience among residents. 10. Innovation and Leadership Position Austin as a model city for environmental stewardship and progressive practices. 13 Commitments and Strategies ▪ Focus on how we approach our work ▪ Guide our future direction for the next decade ▪ Strengthen and adapt our work so it reflects community priorities and builds long-term resilience 1.1 Create a Dedicated Community Liaison Role 1.2 Create and Sustain a Community Advisory Group for Implementation 1.3 Cultivate a Strong, Inclusive Workforce 1.4 Create a Shared Framework for Equity 1.5 Collaborate with Partners to Protect Vulnerable Populations 1.6 Enhance Community Education and Preparedness 1.7 Enhance Readiness for Emergencies 1.8 Improve Response and Recovery After Major Storms Center Community 2.1 Create a Holistic Watershed Health and Safety Framework 2.2. Create Clear and Meaningful Watershed Targets 2.3. Enhance Data and Modeling Capabilities 2.4. Deliver Clear, Actionable Data to the Public 2.5. Implement a Proactive Approach to Infrastructure 2.6. Promote Opportunities for Shared Stewardship 2.7. Collaborate with Partners on Shared Priorities 2.8. Collaborate to Promote Responsible Development Innovate Together 3.1 Define Clear and Achievable Levels of Service 3.2 Center Asset Management in Decision-Making 3.3 Implement an Equitable Decision-Making Approach 3.4 Understand and Address Past Environmental Harms 3.5 Create a Portfolio Management Structure 3.6 Report our Performance and Progress 3.7 Cultivate a Balanced and Proactive Work Culture 3.8 Maintain and Share Knowledge Govern Responsibly 14 15 16 17 Schedule April 1 Release draft plan to community April 9 Rain to River Community Activation Group April 15 Environmental Commission April 22 Climate, Water, Parks, and Environment Council Committee May 15 Economic Opportunity Council Committee May 21 City Council 18 Questions and Discussion RainToRiverATX.com 19