Top 10 Vision 2020 idea vision statements, in no particular order:
• Expanded bike/walk trail system.Connect members of the community and welcome guests through a safe integrated bike//walk trail system linking neighborhoods, parks, shopping and attractions throughout the greater Austin area, including bike lanes on major city streets.
• Education leaders.Develop a world class, unique, citywide learning campus linking the arts, education, science and business communities. This environment would emphasize programs in science and technology, college readiness, alternative learning and real life applications to prepare students for the work force and/or higher education.
• Downtown Austin — A destination point.Establish downtown Austin as a premier small city center, with development of a park/plaza gathering area to host outdoor events throughout the year. The neighborhood would be strengthened by healthy interaction of residents, business owners and entrepreneurs, which would stimulate rehabilitation and economic development in the city center.
• Communitywide technology.Provide every home, school and business with low-cost, state-of-the art technology, including fiber optics and wireless Internet throughout the city of Austin to increase economic prosperity, enhance education and heighten community safety.
ADVERTISEMENT
• Embrace and maintain our waterways.Clean and maintain all waterways and shorelines in the community and beyond to enhance recreational opportunities such as kayaking, canoeing, tubing, swimming and fishing, adding beauty through public gardens, lighted waterways and water features.
• Business-friendly environment.Create and implement stand-out incentives as part of economic development to position Austin as the region's center for entrepreneurs. Invite, finance and support existing and new entrepreneurs, encourage retail while emphasizing reuse of the underutilized buildings on both sides of 18th Avenue Northwest.
• Gateway to Austin attraction.Erect a creative and iconic Interstate 90 overpass attraction representative of our community's identity. This "Gateway to Austin," between Fourth Street Northwest and 14th Street Northwest, would facilitate traffic north and south, host unique retail establishments and, most importantly, provide a pathway to visitors to stop and explore the many appealing facets of Austin.
• Community recreation center.Create a year-round recreation center of architectural significance that would be a welcoming place for everyone in our community to meet, exercise and play. The recreation campus would have state-of-the-art fitness facilities, such as a family aquatic center, practice facilities and programs supporting healthy living in a safe affordable environment.
• Community pride and spirit.Create a positive community spirit by fostering service, support and mentorship programs geared toward improving the quality of life and opportunities for all citizens. Support physical beautification through neighborhood organizations working in collaboration with existing programs.
• Revitalization of Austin Utilities building.Transform the old utilities building into the anchor for Austin's Art Row, by converting it into a modern multi-use structure that would house the Spam Museum and a variety of specialty shops, businesses, eateries and other attractions. The design of this structure would complement the Main Street Renovation Project.
