20260415-003, Rain to River Strategic Plan Final Draft Part 1 — original pdf

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A STRATEGIC PLAN TO PROTECT AUSTIN’S CREEKS AND COMMUNITIES City of Austin | Austin Watershed Protection FINAL DRAFT 2026 A Strategic Plan to Protect Austin’s Creeks & Communities LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT As we introduce the Rain to River Strategic Plan, we ground our work in the recognition that every watershed has a story – one that began long before Austin was a city. By sharing this land acknowledgment, we hope to honor the Indigenous peoples who have cared for these lands and waters for generations while acknowledging the harms that persist today. We acknowledge, with respect, that the land we are on is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Tonkawa, the Apache, the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, the Lipan Apache Tribe, the Texas Band of Yaqui Indians, the Coahuitlecan and all other tribes not explicitly stated. Additionally, we would like to acknowledge and pay respects to the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the Kickapoo Tribe of Texas, Carrizo & Comecrudo, Tigua Pueblo, Caddo, Comanche, Kiowa, Wichita, Chickasaw, Waco nations, and all the American Indian and Indigenous Peoples and communities who have been or have become a part of these lands and territories in Texas, here on Turtle Island. Not all indigenous peoples listed claim Texas as ancestral lands, as many were forcibly relocated to Texas from their ancestral homelands. Though our work is just beginning, the vision and values in this strategic plan call us to care for our watersheds with humility, gratitude, and a deep sense of responsibility for generations to come. This shared purpose is reflected in the plan’s commitments and strategies, which prioritize equity, resilience, and collaborative stewardship. In adopting this new plan, we affirm our responsibility to learn from the land, repair relationships, and build trust as we work toward a future where watershed protection and cultural respect go hand in hand. 1 The clear, flowing water of Barton Creek at Sculpture Falls Scientist evaluating a wetland along Gilleland Creek Crew repairing a tributary of Tannehill Branch Creek Youth educator exploring a cave in the Edwards Aquifer Engineer assessing erosion on a tributary of Walnut Creek WELCOME LETTER I’m pleased to introduce Rain to River, the updated strategic plan for Austin Watershed Protection. This plan represents more than a set of strategies – it reflects a shift in how we approach our work, our partnerships, and our long-term responsibilities to the people and environment of Austin. Our mission remains unchanged. As the City’s drainage utility, we maintain and enhance critical infrastructure – creeks, lakes, aquifers, floodplains, storm drains, culverts, and more – to reduce the impacts of flooding, erosion, and water pollution. What has evolved is how we define success and who we include in that conversation. Rain to River builds on the foundation of our previous plan, which emphasized transparency and data-driven decision-making. We continue that commitment while expanding our focus to include community voices, lived experience, and shared stewardship as essential components of resilient infrastructure. For the first time, we have articulated a department vision and values. These guideposts help define our commitments and strategies for the next decade while laying the groundwork for the next century and beyond. We are addressing today’s most urgent needs while investing in a future that is equitable, sustainable, and community-centered. This plan also acknowledges the harm our systems have caused in the past. We are committed to equity not as a one-time initiative, but as an ongoing practice rooted in accountability, humility, and trust. By publishing community priorities and leading with engagement, we aim to embed community expertise into our daily work. Rain to River marks a transition, from reacting to problems to creating lasting solutions. It is a call to action for all of us to work together toward outcomes that protect and uplift every part of Austin, now and for generations to come. Jorge L. Morales, P.E., CFM Director Austin Watershed Protection 4 PLAN SUMMARY Rain to River Framework Rain to River is the strategic plan that will guide the work of Austin Watershed Protection for the next decade. These are the major elements of the plan that connect community aspirations with our department purpose and values, defining the commitments and strategies that will shape our work in the years ahead. COMMUNITY VISION What residents want for the future of their waterways and neighborhoods We envision an Austin where our creeks, rivers, and natural spaces are healthy, vibrant, and accessible to everyone. This future rests on trust that the City and its communities can plan together, act together, and be accountable together. In this vision, watershed protection is not a technical exercise but a social contract. Planning is proactive, solutions are co-created, and the voices of historically marginalized populations are central to every decision. Waterways and green spaces are not divided by zip code or history but united as shared public goods, spaces of connection, learning, and care. The future imagined by the community is one where community knowledge guides environmental governance, where every flood mitigation project also strengthens social resilience, and where the City’s investment in natural systems is inseparable from its investment in people. COMMUNITY PRIORITIES The needs and recommendations that residents identified as most important 1. Equity & Inclusion 2. Flood Mitigation & Emergency Preparedness 3. Climate Resilience & Sustainability 4. Natural Resource Protection & Restoration 5. Accessibility & Public Engagement 6. Trust & Collaboration 7. Sustainable Development & Growth 8. Support for Unhoused & Vulnerable Populations 9. Education & Youth Engagement 10. Innovation & Leadership DEPARTMENT MISSION Why we exist as a department and what drives our work To protect the lives, property, and environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion, and water pollution. DEPARTMENT VISION Our shared purpose and how we work together to achieve the community 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 The principles that shape how we do our work and show up for the community 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 DEPARTMENT GOALS The desired outcomes we aim to achieve to advance our mission COMMITMENTS AND STRATEGIES The themes that ground our approach and the actions that guide our future direction FLOOD RISK REDUCTION 1.1. Create a Dedicated Community Liaison Role Safeguard lives and reduce the impact of flooding to the Austin community. EROSION MITIGATION Create a safe and stable stream system that protects the community from erosion and encourages the use and enjoyment of Austin’s creeks and lakes. WATER QUALITY PROTECTION Protect and improve the health of Austin’s creeks, rivers, lakes, and springs to provide clean and flowing water for all. MAINTAINING INFRASTRUCTURE Protect and enhance the condition and function of the City’s drainage infrastructure, including creeks, drainage channels, storm drain pipes, tunnels, and stormwater ponds. I Y T N U M M O C R E T N E C R E H T E G O T E T A V O N N I I Y L B S N O P S E R N R E V O G 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 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 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 5 6 Rain to River: A Strategic Plan to Protect Austin’s Creeks & Communities | FINAL DRAFTPLAN SUMMARY | FINAL DRAFT How to Use the Plan The Rain to River Strategic Plan is designed for a wide range of audiences. Internally, it serves staff at all levels within Austin Watershed Protection, guiding our work and decisions. For city leaders and departments, it provides a shared framework to coordinate efforts and shape policy. Nonprofits and other partners can use the plan to align grant opportunities and collaborative projects. And for all Austinites, from every neighborhood and walk of life, the plan is a transparent document that explains our priorities, invites participation, and allows the community to hold us accountable. Each section has been strengthened and validated through extensive engagement with residents, community leaders, partner organizations, and staff. 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. 7 These elements are not included in the Rain to River Strategic Plan but will guide and document our work going forward. IMPLEMENTATION PLANNING The internal roadmap that turns strategy into action by outlining work plans, milestones, timelines, and responsibilities. TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION The detailed explanations of the methods, data, and frameworks behind our work, published as they are developed to support transparency and understanding. PROGRESS REPORTING The ongoing updates that show how we’re advancing the plan, tracking what’s working, where we’re adapting, and how our efforts stay aligned with the community vision and priorities. Community volunteers planting trees along Bull Creek Rain to River: A Strategic Plan to Protect Austin’s Creeks & Communities | FINAL DRAFTWHY WE’RE UPDATING THE PLAN OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE PLAN HOW WE CREATED THE PLAN A SHARED COMMITMENT & LOOK AHEAD UNDERSTAND WATERSHED PROTECTION IN AUSTIN OUR MISSION OUR VALUES | STEWARDS WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO OUR CHALLENGES EXPANDING OUR IMPACT HOW WE PARTNER Kayakers floating down Barton Creek Table of Contents LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT WELCOME LETTER PLAN SUMMARY INTRODUCTION FROM RAIN TO RIVER: WORKING WITH WATER’S PROMISE AND PERIL 2 4 5 11 13 14 15 17 21 23 25 28 29 31 36 40 41 ENVISION COMMUNITY VISION DEPARTMENT VISION COMMUNITY PRIORITIES ENACT OUR COMMITMENTS AND STRATEGIES CENTER COMMUNITY INNOVATE TOGETHER GOVERN RESPONSIBLY APPENDIX PROJECT TEAM ACKNOWLEDGMENTS GLOSSARY 43 45 46 47 59 61 65 73 81 i III VII 10 01 INTRODUCTION This section sets the context and guiding principles for the plan. It explains why the plan is being updated, highlighting our accomplishments and lessons learned. The section describes a deliberate shift from a purely technical approach to one that values lived experience and community knowledge alongside science and engineering. It outlines the multi-year planning process, including the roles of staff and community, emphasizing how community input grounded and informed the plan from the start. Finally, this section establishes the plan’s purpose to shape how we do our work for the next decade. FROM RAIN TO RIVER: WORKING WITH WATER’S PROMISE AND PERIL 13 WHY WE’RE UPDATING THE PLAN OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE PLAN HOW WE CREATED THE PLAN A SHARED COMMITMENT & LOOK AHEAD 14 15 17 21 Kickoff meeting with the Community Activation Group 12 INTRODUCTION | FINAL DRAFTOverview of Process