Our Vision for a WELL-PLANNED REGION
Download this Section's Action Plan

WE ENVISION a well-planned region with vital urban areas, ample parks and open spaces, an excellent transportation system, expanded public transit, and modern, well-maintained infrastructure. The Coastal Bend welcomes new growth – but balances growth with our continued quality of life. Local planning throughout the region fosters ‘smart growth’ policies, transit-oriented development and green building practices. We have great “pride of place” in our redeveloped downtown areas, revitalized Bayfront, lively commercial centers, and safe, clean neighborhoods. Vacant and abandoned buildings have been renovated or replaced; and our neighborhoods have been revitalized, attracting new homeowners and promoting reinvestment. We offer more affordable housing options, especially for families, and support them with clean, well-maintained community parks, recreational options, and pedestrian and bicycle amenities.

Regional Growth and Land Use

1 Balanced Growth. The Coastal Bend encourages growth that is in balance with its quality of life, fostering the attractions and tourist revenues of a big city while maintaining its small town feel.

2 Interagency Regional Planning Authority. Coastal Bend local governments have created a comprehensive interagency regional planning authority to better coordinate planning for the future development of the region.

3 Protection of Natural Resources. The Coastal Bend protects its natural resources and assets and uses them as a focal point of future growth, including the promotion of eco-tourism.

4 Maintaining Agricultural Areas. The Coastal Bend pays attention to the needs of maintaining rural life, agriculture and farming while allowing for growth necessary for the area to flourish.

Coastal Development

5 Clean, Quality Beaches. The Coastal Bend takes responsibility for its shorelines and coastal assets, maintaining clean, quality beaches that are safe and convenient for all to use and enjoy.

6 Vibrant, Active Waterfront. Corpus Christi and other Coastal Bend communities have vibrant, active waterfronts that are pedestrian-friendly, with a boardwalk, shops, water activities and nature events.

7 Coastal Tourism Development. The responsible development of our coastal areas has attracted more tourists, while providing our residents and families with quality entertainment.

8 Island Vacation Development. Mustang Island and Padre Island have been carefully developed with well-planned resorts, year-round vacationing, and other tourist-based business while preserving their natural beauty.

Urban Development

9 Downtown Redevelopment. Corpus Christi has redeveloped its downtown area, transforming it into a thriving district that attracts both residents and visitors, including housing, shops, restaurants and entertainment along with convention facilities, museums and a farmers market.

10 Corpus Christi Beach Redevelopment. Corpus Christi Beach has been comprehensively redeveloped, including an arts and entertainment district.

11 Neighborhood Revitalization. Close-in and older neighborhoods throughout the region have been revitalized, attracting new homeowners, creating pride of place, and promoting reinvestment, recreational and commercial activities.

12 Elimination of Vacant Buildings. Corpus Christi and other regional commercial centers have renovated or replaced vacant, boarded-up buildings, including the Coliseum and old Courthouse, redeveloping those areas with thriving attractions such as a new farmer’s market, various shops or water park.

13 Parking for Public Attractions. Corpus Christi has ample parking to support the influx of people attending events or enjoying the city’s many attractions as pedestrians.

14 Smart, Transit-Oriented, Green City Planning. The entire Coastal Bend emphasizes city planning that fosters ‘smart growth,’ mixed-use development around future transportation modes, and ‘green’ building practices.
15 Affordable Housing Options. The Coastal Bend has developed a wide range of new and improved, affordable housing options for local residents, especially for families.

Parks and Public Spaces

16 Interconnected Parks and Open Spaces. The Coastal Bend has an interconnected system of walkable, bikeable parks, green spaces, preserved and protected open spaces, pedestrian areas and beaches where people can gather, appreciate nature, and enjoy the arts, concerts and cultural attractions.

17 Community Parks. Coastal Bend neighborhoods have more clean, well-maintained multi-use community parks with biking, hiking and walking paths, and a variety of recreational options.

18 Recreation for Children, Families and Youth. The Coastal Bend has more outdoor recreational activities for children, families and youth, including clean, safe beaches, swimming pools, skate parks, playgrounds and sports fields.
Port and Other Infrastructure

19 Expanded Port. The Port of Corpus Christi has expanded its capacity and infrastructure to handle a wider variety of cargo and diversified international trade.
20 Expanded Commercial Transportation. Commercial transportation infrastructure, including air cargo, rail access, trucking, and highways, have been expanded to serve the needs of the growing economy.

21 Urban Infrastructure. The Coastal Bend’s urban infrastructure -- streets, water systems, storm drainage and sewer systems -- has improved and is adequately funded to support population and industrial growth.

22 Replaced Harbor Bridge. Harbor Bridge has been replaced to better accommodate water traffic and facilitate the safety of bridge travel.

23 Water and Power Supplies. The region has secured long-term supplies of water and power, while implementing conservation measures to ensure sustainability of those resources.

Transportation

24 Regional Transportation Connections. The Coastal Bend transportation system connects all parts of the city, islands and the region, increasing accessibility and facilitating residential, commercial and tourist travel.

25 Expanded Public Transportation. The Coastal Bend has greatly expanded public transportation, including alternative modes, for more accessible and environmentally friendly service that supports both commuters and visitors.

26 Bike- and Pedestrian-Friendly City. Corpus Christi’s traffic arterials and major roads are bike- and pedestrian-friendly, with safe bike lanes and pedestrian paths that connect downtown with neighborhoods, allowing for alternative movement throughout the city.

27 Improved Airline Connections. Corpus Christi International Airport has upgraded its service levels, with enhanced, more accessible airline connections and more direct flights to serve residents, businesses and visitors.