The City of Wilmer in Dallas County was recently recognized for planning excellence by the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association for its comprehensive plan, ‘Picture Wilmer 2040 Vision Plan.’
The plan outlines priorities and goals for the city’s development, including roads and infrastructure, businesses, schools, and parks. The plan is a useful tool that guides the city’s growth and development in line with the community’s vision and keeps community members informed of upcoming changes.
“We are thrilled to be among the list of those recognized this year by The Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association,” said Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta in a statement. “We do not take our responsibility to our citizens lightly. This year’s acknowledgment of the Picture Wilmer 2040 Comp Plan is an honor because it is an indication, as a city, that we are all working together to realize the best future for Wilmer.”
Recent projects in Wilmer include the completion of a massive 565,000-square-foot industrial park that provides enhanced shipping and manufacturing opportunities that lead to high-paying jobs, the formation of Tricolor, a 200,000-square-foot reconditioning center, smart water meter replacement, landscape improvements at five intersections on I-45, and a data center campus that was finished in 2022.
The Picture Wilmer 2040 Vision Plan consists of three parts: the Vision, Comprehensive, and the Town Center and Belt Line Corridor Survey. Each part plays a specific role in Wilmer’s development.
The plan focuses on long-term development goals, including attracting new businesses and anticipating growth. The Comprehensive Plan seeks to guide growth through measurable results. Finally, the Town Center and Belt Line Corridor Survey is meant to provide the community and city staff with goals and vision for developing the city’s main thoroughfare.
The Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association used several criteria to examine planning documents across the state. According to a city press release, they looked at “the level of training of Planning Commissioners and professional staff, professional qualifications of the planning staff, breadth and currency of master plan components and completion of other planning-related projects. “
“The goals of the program in which Wilmer was recognized in order to receive this prestigious award included increasing community awareness of the importance of planning, recognizing planning departments which meet certain professional requirements, recognizing planning efforts that have achieved community support, encouraging the funding of professional training for Planning Commissioners and staff, and aiding economic development and community image,” the press release continued.
More information about the initiative can be found online at the city’s website.