Tyler 21: The City of Tyler’s Comprehensive Plan for the 21st Century
City of Tyler, Texas, Tyler, TX
Embracing growth while strengthening community: a plan for the capital city of East Texas
Recognizing its position as one of the fastest growing cities in East Texas, Tyler’s leaders set out to create a citywide plan that directs growth in ways that create a more cohesive and vibrant place. After a year of community discussion that engaged hundreds of participants from across the city, Tyler 21—our plan to guide the city in the 21st century—was unanimously adopted by the Tyler City Council.
Notable aspects of the plan include:
- Establishing Tyler as the Capital City of East Texas, as its downtown, its medical, educational and cultural center
- Creating a strong downtown that serves as a vibrant meeting place for Tyler and the region
- Reinvesting in established neighborhoods including preserving historic districts and incentivizing growth in disinvested neighborhoods
- Building a strong and cohesive open space network linked by bike paths and trails that provide access to the entire community
IMPLEMENTATION
Successful implementation actions include the following:
- Plan Adopted by City Council in 2007; 60% of plan action items completed by 2013
- Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone established for downtown; city purchased downtown theater for renovation in partnership with East Texas Symphony; new arts center opened downtown
- Council approval of North Tyler infrastructure expansion to support revitalization
- Creation of two local historic districts and creation of historic marker program
- Five-year update to review vision, goals, and implementation progress
