HUTTO, TX, November 3, 2008 – Hutto officials and citizens joined a team of national planning consultants Monday, launching the city’s four-day workshop on how to most effectively gain from increasing growth in the fastest growing city in Texas.

The opening day of the workshop, called a “charrette”, included a discussion of workshop goals with elected officials and Planning & Zoning Commission members, a team tour of Hutto’s historic downtown and outlying communities, and an opening-night presentation (1.7mb .pdf).

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The first-day orientation served the interests of both citizens and the consultants, allowing them to begin focusing together on the purposes of the four-day session -- to create a cohesive Unified Development Code that combines the best of current regulations with a progressive focus on future development in line with Hutto’s distinctive character.

Doing so, it is believed, will maximize the benefits of growth over time. So much of Monday was devoted to defining the elements of character that should be retained.

For a broader discussion of project goals, go here. And for a fuller explanation of this week’s process and the regulatory framework under development, go here.

Over the next three days, the design team will meet with citizens and business people, including real estate development professionals, to refine ideas. On Wednesday night, there will be a presentation of work in progress during a public “pin-up” at the Holiday Inn Express. And the following night, the team will offer a summation of the week’s work in town council chambers. All presentations are open to the public. For a complete schedule and location of all events, go here.