City of Kerrville E.A. Hoppe provided the program last Wednesday, and updated us on current topics of interest. E.A.'s family has been in the Texas Hill Country for seven generations, so he feels right at home in Kerrville.
There are many challenges that our area faces, and managed growth is a topic that the city often discusses. The Kerrville 2050 Comprehensive Plan is a set of goals and vision to guide decision making over the next few decades. It was developed with input from a diverse group of citizens, and this plan is referred to constantly to shape the future development of Kerrville.
Texas is seeing significant growth, with about 230,000 people moving here every year. For reference, that's about the population of Lubbock added to the state each year.
Public Safety is a large part of the city's responsibility each year, with over 50% of the city's budget allocated to police, fire and EMS workers, and similar departments.
Public Works is also important, keeping our roads and infrastructure safe and reliable for residents and visitors alike. Kerrville is a regional hub for 9 counties, and our population swells to about 50,000 during the day. Maintaining an adequate water supply is critical, and strategic planning has been put Kerrville in a good position with the Water Reuse Facility and the Aquifer Storage and recovery systems.
The Parks and Recreation department stays busy managing and planning our resources for a good quality of life, and positive economic impact. Amenities include the Kerrville Sports Complex, Tennis Center, Kerrville Schreiner Golf course (which turned 100 years old recently), Community Festivals, the River Trail and Kerrville Schreiner Park.
Planning and Development is an ongoing process in the area. Challenges include providing housing for local workers, staff for businesses and day care for families. The city's codes are being reviewed and updated, and Kerrville's downtown area is becoming more vibrant, with new businesses moving into the city's core.
