Government
Manvel officials draft comprehensive plans for future growth, decisions
Why now?
Manvel has seen significant population growth, increasing by nearly 41% from around 9,000 residents to nearly 13,000 total residents between 2018-23, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. The comprehensive plans are part of a broader planning effort known as Manvel 2045, which will guide infrastructure investment and land use decisions, according to city documents. “Our infrastructure is not prepared to handle growth.” Mayor Dan Davis said at the Jan. 5 meeting. “How do we prepare for the future without designing the infrastructure that encourages a future we don’t want?”
to minimize environmental impacts as growth continues. Growth capacity goals call for phased investment in water and wastewater systems, flood mitigation efforts, storm drainage improvements and long-term infrastructure maintenance planning to ensure services keep pace with development. Economic development goals focus on attracting higher-quality commercial and mixed-use projects, strengthening economic development partnerships and encouraging selective growth to avoid overdevelopment and maintain the city’s desired character. Recreation and amenities goals include establishing a dedicated parks and recreation department and advancing development of a city center envisioned as a central gathering place for the community.
Manvel City Council reviewed new drafts of the city’s comprehensive plan at its Jan. 5 meeting, outlining a long-term vision intended to guide future growth as the city experiences significant population growth, according to city documents. The plans are not development approvals but tools meant to align community priorities with future decision-making, city officials said. Houston-based planning firm Kendig Keast Collaborative, which is assisting the city with both its thoroughfare and future land use planning, presented the drafts organized around four focus areas. Environmental goals center on protecting natural resources through conservation planning, greenways and trail networks, and preservation of the city’s tree canopy, while promoting sustainable development practices
Also of note
The planning process is being carried out in multiple phases. Phase 1 focused on community engagement and information gathering, including a citywide survey to identify residents’ priorities and concerns. The results of the survey showed that some of the top community priorities were stormwater management, parks and recreation, and public safety, among others. Phase 2, which is currently underway, focuses on developing goals, policies and draft plans across key areas based in part on community feedback.
Manvel’s population
15,000
12,873
11,432
12,000
growth Key priorities: • Conservation • Flood mitigation • Economic development • Parks and trails
9,000
6,690
6,000
Population growth has increased by 92.4%
3,000
0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU'S AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5-YEAR ESTIMATES/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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