Vision Galveston, a non-profit organization focused on connecting the community’s vision to the resources needed to make Galveston a great place to live, work, raise a family, and visit, wants to hear from you!

Five years ago, your voice helped shape the 2019 Vision Galveston plan, and now we’re listening again to ensure we’re moving forward in the right way. Our goal is to revisit the main initiatives and main recommendations and get a “community pulse” of what has been accomplished, what to prioritize, what has changed in the community, what are new needs, and how to refocus to get to 2040. The purpose of this effort is to:

  1. Update the Galveston community on what has been accomplished and by whom over the last 5 years,
  2. Prioritize existing recommendations to reflect the current needs of the community, and
  3. Identify any new initiatives or recommendations that need to be added.

Vision Galveston 2019 Recommendations

Galveston stands out in Texas for its rich history, walkable urban layout, and unique location by the Gulf of Mexico, blending city life with natural beauty. This theme supports projects and actions that enhance human-scale development that allows for both thriving natural habitats and a livable urban environment. Vision Galveston has been working with partners to ensure future development protects natural areas and foster a compact, upward growth that connects people with both the city's heritage and its surrounding ecosystem.

Theme Recommendations:

  • Densify New Development & Protect Ecologically Sensitive Areas
  • Build Walkable & Connected New Development
  • Combine Mixed-Use Development with Green Space in East End Flats
  • Integrate Nature in Development
  • Strengthen Conservation Partnerships
  • Create Green Urban Network
  • Operate a Bus Service to Beaches and Parks on Weekends
  • Build a Bike Path along the Length of the Island
  • Build On-Street Bike Network
  • Create Multiple Public Bayfront Access Points
  • Formalize Paddling Trails
  • Create a Federally Designated Protected Area on Galveston Bay
  • Develop Environmental Education Programs

Galveston is already facing the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, requiring innovation and adaptation to remain livable. With expertise from Texas A&M at Galveston, UTMB, and a history of resilience, the city is well-equipped to lead in coastal adaptation. Vision Galveston fosters partnerships across sectors, to not only strengthen Galveston's future but also serve as a global model and economic driver for resilience.

Theme Recommendations:

  • Support a Coastal Innovation and Commercialization Center
  • Fund Multiple Interdisciplinary Research Groups
  • Set up a Coastal Protection Proposal Review Board
  • Reduce Flood Insurance Rates
  • Create a Comprehensive Drainage and Green Infrastructure Plan
  • Join Networks Addressing Climate Change Responsiveness
  • Repurpose Port Facilities to Support Innovative New Industries
  • Support Efforts for Dredge Material to Support Resilience Efforts
  • Develop a Nursery Plan for Post-Disaster Vegetation Recovery
  • Continue to Innovate on Building Codes

Tourism can thrive alongside a high quality of life for residents when attractions and amenities benefit both locals and visitors. In Galveston, the goal is to ensure tourism drives economic growth while enhancing livability through parks, events, arts, and connected neighborhoods. Vision Galveston believes that by fostering shared spaces and experiences, the Island can become a better place for everyone!

Theme Recommendations:

  • Grow Pedestrian-Scale Mixed-Use Districts
  • Add Grocery Stores / Supermarkets in the Urban Core
  • Enhance the Seawall to be a More Attractive and Enjoyable
  • Create Public Parks and Access Points Along the Port Waterfront
  • Improve Parks and Open Space
  • Ensure that there are Quality Parks Within Walking Distance of Every Home
  • Build an Amazing Destination Park
  • Develop a Sustainable Tourism Strategy
  • Develop a Cultural, Arts, and Historic Master Plan
  • Support Efforts to Promote Ecotourism
  • Attract More Full-Service Hotels
  • Cap the Total Percentage of Short-Term Rental Units
  • Collect Fees from Short-Term Rentals and Direct Funds toward Housing Needs
  • Operate Frequent Streetcar and Bus Service
  • Improve Bus Stops
  • Build a Bridge to Pelican Island that is More Accessible
  • Rethink Harborside Drive
  • Manage Cruise Ship Terminal Traffic and Parking

Living on Galveston Island brings a deep sense of pride, but economic and housing challenges threaten its livability for many residents. To ensure a thriving community, residents must have access to well-paying local jobs, and workers should have access to affordable housing on the Island. Achieving this requires strong housing policies, active private development, quality education, and a robust local economy.

Theme Recommendations:

  • Adopt a Small Business Attraction Strategy Focused
  • Create Incubators and Commercial Spaces for Small Businesses
  • Expand Entrepreneurship and Incubator Programs
  • Build Additional Industrial Assets on Pelican Island
  • Grow Career and Education Pathways
  • Invest in Modern Educational Facilities
  • Monitor the State of Galveston’s Schools to Track Improvement
  • Support Innovative Efforts to Improve Education
  • Develop Assets that Support Education and Economic Opportunity
  • Support Existing Family Entertainment and Programs
  • Commission a Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis
  • Create a Developer Information Packet to Attract Development
  • Encourage Denser Development Consistent with Historic Character
  • Establish a Community Development Corporation
  • Form a Revitalization Authority
  • Build Cost-Attainable Rental and Homeownership Options
  • Use a Community Land Trust to Build Homes
  • Empower North of Broadway’s Residents to Plan Future Development
  • Create a Strategy and Assemble Properties for Redevelopment
  • Develop Attainable Housing for Teachers, Hospitality Workers, and First Responders
  • Preserve Existing Residents in Place
  • Facilitate Commercial and Mixed-Use Development on Broadway
  • Add Quality Amenities Including Open Spaces, Educational Facilities, Retail and Food Access
  • Implement Green Infrastructure and Drainage Improvements North of Broadway
  • Work with Local Utilities to Provide Energy-Efficiency Programs
  • Support Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Homes
  • Ensure that Rental Properties Meet Health and Safety Standards
  • Enable the Galveston Housing Authority to Rebuild and Sustain its Inventory
  • Advocate for the State of Texas to act as a Reinsurer for Windstorm Coverage
  • Build Local Public Service Offices on Island

As part of a large metropolitan area, Galveston benefits from access to a fast-growing economy, regional institutions, and global connections, but its smaller population risks being overlooked. The city must strategically engage with the mainland to leverage these advantages while preserving its unique identity. Vision Galveston believes that empowering residents to advocate for resources will be key to securing Galveston's future over the next 20 years.

Theme Recommendations:

  • Increase Civic Participation
  • Clearly Define the Value That Galveston Provides to the Region and Advocate for Resources
  • Market Galveston’s Education System Regionally
  • Position A&M and UTMB as part of a Regional Education Corridor
  • Participate in Regional Transportation Planning
  • Implement 2-way, all-day, 7-day-a-week Transit to Houston