October 13, 2003
Survey Time!

And it isn't one of those overdone "who are you?" things.

Envision Central Texas survey

What if a million more people lived in Central Texas?

Envision Central Texas, a non-profit organization of concerned citizens from Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties, wants your answer to this question and others that will guide this region toward a common vision.

Considering that this area's population may double within the next 20 to 40 years, Central Texans must make some tough decisions to ensure that future growth occurs sensibly.

Envision Central Texas wants to know your opinion on issues like land development, housing, jobs and the environment.

Just 15 minutes of your time can help shape this region's future.

Please take a few minutes to review the Envision Central Texas Web site and complete the Regional Vision Survey at http://www.envisioncentraltexas.org/publicfeedback.php.


A million more people?

IH35 would turn into the world's largest and most well-traveled rut. Geez.

The survey askes 18 questions and requests you weigh your answers to the first six questions on a scale of High>Medium>Low. Here are the questions and offered answers:

  1. Which scenario do you think would provide the best potential use of land for Central Texas' future?
    [New land developed versus land redeveloped]
    In 2000: 1,157 sq. miles of developed land existed.
    1. 1 sq. mile redeveloped
      732 sq. miles new land
    2. 9 sq. miles redeveloped
      301 sq. miles new land
    3. 12 sq. miles redeveloped
      267 sq. miles new land
    4. 16 sq. miles redeveloped
      132 sq. miles new land

  2. Which scenario do you like best regarding the future use of agricultural and range land?
    (Agricultural and range land converted to development)
    In 2000: 2,646 sq. miles of agricultural and range land existed.
    1. 546 sq. miles
    2. 239 sq. miles
    3. 212 sq. miles
    4. 109 sq. miles

  3. Which scenario do you like best regarding future development over the Edwards Aquifer?
    (Land developed over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone)
    The total Edwards Aquifer recharge zone is 226 sq. miles.
    1. 56.7 sq. miles
    2. 30.2 sq. miles
    3. 0.1 sq. miles
    4. 0.6 sq. miles

  4. Which scenario do you think would best serve our future transportation needs?
    [Percentage of trips by auto versus other types (bus, rail, bike, walk), and average hour/year per person spent traveling on weekdays]
    In 1997: 93% auto, 7% other, 244 hours/year
    1. 92% auto...8% other...295 hrs/yr
    2. 91% auto...9% other...279 hrs/yr
    3. 88% auto...12% other...263 hrs/yr
    4. 85% auto...15% other...248 hrs/yr

  5. Which scenario do you think would provide the best future housing options?
    (Single-family houses versus townhouses, apartments and condos)
    In 2000: 64% single family, 36% other
    1. 63% Single family...37% Townhomes, apartments, & condos
    2. 63% Single family...37% Townhomes, apartments, & condos [note: this is not a typo]
    3. 59% Single family...41% Townhomes, apartments, & condos
    4. 48% Single family...52% Townhomes, apartments, & condos

  6. What level of investment would you prefer for new development?
    (Infrastructure costs for new development on previously undeveloped land)
    See "Infrastructure Costs" on page 2 of Summay.PDF.
    1. $10.6 billion
    2. $5.5 billion
    3. $4.9 billion
    4. $3.0 billion

  7. Which scenario do you think would provide the best overall quality of life for Central Texas' future?
    1. Scenario a
    2. Scenario b
    3. Scenario c
    4. Scenario d
    5. I do not like any of these scenarios.

  8. How do you think the quality of life in Central Texas would be affected if the population doubles to 2.5 million people over the next 20 to 40 years?
    • Much better o o o o o Much worse

  9. What do you think should be the focus of transportation investment?
    1. Mostly roads
    2. Mix of roads and transit
    3. Mostly transit

  10. What would be the best way to fit 1.25 million more people in Central Texas?
    • Put people in already developed areas o o o o o Put people in undeveloped areas

  11. In what areas do you think new jobs should be located in the future?
    • Where jobs are now o o o o o Spread throughout the whole region

  12. How important is it to consider social equity issues on an equal basis with other growth issues when planning for Central Texas' future?
    (See page 2 of Summary.PDF)
    • Very important o o o o o Not at all important

  13. How concerned are you with maintaining affordability in Central Texas?
    • Very concerned o o o o o Not at all concerned

  14. How concerned are you that the water supply keeps pace with development in Central Texas?
    • Very concerned o o o o o Not at all concerned

  15. How important is retaining the character of rural communities in Central Texas?
    • Very important o o o o o Not at all important

  16. How important is retaining the character of existing urban neighborhoods?
    • Very important o o o o o Not at all important

  17. How important is it that shopping and jobs are safely accessible by walking/biking from neighborhoods?
    • Very important o o o o o Not at all important

  18. Please select the THREE issues in the list below that you think are most important for the future of Central Texas:
    Air quality
    Cost of living
    Farm land preservation
    Health care
    Housing choices
    Jobs
    Land use
    Parks/Open space
    Public education
    Public safety
    Racial issues
    Social equity
    Transportation/Congestion
    Water availability
    Water quality

It then goes on to ask some demographic information.

It's quite obvious this entire survey is seriously bent towards central economic planning of some degree. As such, it's hard to answer the questions seriously, as it wouldn't make much of a difference in the end. Effective economic calculation under central planning (aka, "socialism") is impossible and irrational.

However, I'll answer the questions from my standpoint of unrestrained, unleashed, predatory, exploitive, demeaning, hurtful, and glorious capitalism.

Just not right now. :)

UPDATE(10/14/2003 1:13pm)
My answers are here.

UPDATE(12/9/2003 1:40am)
The results have been released.



Posted by Drizzten at October 13, 2003 12:08 AM

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