TownScape Task Force Committee:

Committee mission: The mission is to envision the future of our community as it grows over the next 20 years and to design and encourage the implementation of optimal development outcomes for the Johnson City area. To preserve the past, plan in the present, and protect the future.

Committee History: In February of 2000, the Meadow's Foundation sponsored "Blanco County Citizen's Assembly" held its first meeting where experts from the academic and business development profession helped the citizens of the county think through development options for future growth. As an outcome of that meeting, Johnson City, the gateway community to the beautiful Hill Country of Texas and the historic boyhood hometown of President Lyndon B. Johnson, began developing a plan to avoid being consumed by urban sprawl from the burgeoning metropolitan areas of Austin and San Antonio. The Chamber of Commerce established a TownScape Task Force to develop an imaginative and innovative strategic plan for controlling urban sprawl, while encouraging needed economic growth. Working with the city and county governments, the Task Force established the Johnson City Community Education Foundation to help finance the effort. The aim of this program is to preserve the past, plan in the present, and protect the future.

Committee Accomplishments: Established Johnson City Community Education Foundation; painted Johnson City entryway signs; secured an historic LBJ sign from South Blanco County - the sign is now being restored by the National Park Service; produced a video and printed and a brochure that is currently being distributed suggesting Design Guidelines to protect the Hill Country look; held a series of community neighborhood meetings on Johnson City's future; and held meetings with a community development expert on design guidelines.

Committee Activities for 2007-2008:
1. Develop better signage for LBJ Visitors Center and Settlement
2. Improve approaches to the city
3. Conduct a clean-up, fix-up, paint-up campaign
4. Plan a program for vacant and abandoned buildings
5. Plan for development of sidewalks
6. Improve street signs
7. Improve public open spaces
8. Develop mountain biking trail
9. Encourage the passage of a stronger sign ordinance

Meetings: Meeting dates vary, but typically are on Fridays at 1pm in the Activity Building of the Methodist Church. Open to public participation.