Why Thoroughfare Planning Matters for Our Community’s Future
I often hear the question, “When is the city going to start planning for the future and for all this growth?” It’s a fair question, but with the pace of change our region has seen in the past decade, planning can’t be perfect it’s always a moving target. But it doesn’t mean that we can’t be intentional and strategic. That’s why we rely on subject matter experts, guided by data, to recommend what’s practical, affordable, and positions our community to thrive for generations to come.
We can’t go back and plan for what’s already happened. What we can do is look ahead, act now, and invest wisely in the future. That means accepting the reality that we can’t build every project at once. Instead, we prioritize by balancing immediate needs with the long-term vision that residents consistently ask for. In surveys and public engagement, citizens continue to place infrastructure planning at the top of their priorities.
This doesn’t mean ignoring quality of life today. Thoughtful planning actually protects it. We all enjoy seeing kids riding bikes or neighbors gathering outdoors, it provides a sense of safety and community. But to preserve those everyday joys, we need thoroughfares designed for safety, connectivity, and efficiency. Planning today ensures that future families experience the same comfort and security we value now.
History gives us clear lessons and one powerful example is Loop 337. Over 5 decades ago, city leaders set aside the right-of-way for what would become a vital corridor. At the time it may have seemed ambitious, even unnecessary. But that foresight prepared our city for growth and today we benefit from their vision and discipline.
Now it’s our turn to carry that responsibility. Thoroughfare planning isn’t just about roads, it’s about building resilience. It ensures families get to work safely, emergency vehicles have access when it’s needed most, and businesses can flourish. It’s about balancing today’s realities with tomorrow’s opportunities while protecting what makes our community strong.
Growth will continue whether we plan for it or not. The real question is whether we face it reactively or proactively. Like those before us, we must lay the groundwork for a thriving future. Thoroughfare planning is an investment in the next generation. It’s an expression of stewardship and a promise that we are thinking ahead, just as others once did for us.