The document outlines the accomplishments and goals of the Community Development department for fiscal year 2008-2009. Some key accomplishments include merging departments to improve efficiency, restructuring committees, implementing digital permitting and archiving to reduce paper use, and developing maps and technology to assist with disaster response and infrastructure management. Goals for 2009-2010 include further digitization efforts, improving development processes, re-establishing flood insurance discount programs, adopting an updated transportation plan, and clarifying annexation timelines. Major infrastructure projects constructed or underway are also listed.

1. Accomplishments for fy08-09COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTCapital Projects, Engineering, Geospatial Services, Permits & Inspections

2. Unified AgenciesMerged Community Development and Capital Projects into a single department, eliminating a Director position, and providing for the better utilization of resources. This will allow us to engineer more projects on a timely basis.COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTCapital Projects, Engineering, Geospatial Services, Permits & Inspections

3. Improved OrganizationRestructured the Developers’ Regulatory Committee so that it is co-chaired and administered by the Community Development Department. This restructuring has created a medium in which developer issues can be objectively evaluated and positive change implemented that benefits the city as well as the developer community.COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTCapital Projects, Engineering, Geospatial Services, Permits & inspections

4. Achieved EfficiencyImplemented residential digital archiving and digital permit files. This procedural change has eliminated countless paper files, has created a permanent archiving for pertinent documents, has significantly improved the quality of record keeping, and has greatly reduced the amount of sensitive “identity theft” type information accessibility.COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTCapital Projects, Engineering, Geospatial Services, Permits & inspections

5. Reacted SuccessfullyDeveloped Hurricane Ike damage assessment and incident maps that have proven valuable in our efforts at seeking reimbursement from FEMA.Helped man the EOC, and Inspectors performed over 330 field damage assessments.Staff helped man Food POD’s to help deliver food and water to those in need.COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTCapital Projects, Engineering, Geospatial Services, Permits & Inspections

6. Utilized TechnologyDeveloped a ITSP plan that will significantly improve our ability to manage our assets such as water, sewer, drainage, and roadways.Enhanced GIS data on the City of Conroe website to include data downloads for the City Limits, Planning Area, and ETJ.Provided numerous links from the City of Conroe website to agencies and other organizations involved with engineering, floodplain, and building processes.COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTCapital Projects, Engineering, Geospatial Services, Permits & Inspections

7. Promoted Forward ThinkingEstablished a Green Committee to accelerate sustainable practices throughout Conroe; the city will demonstrate leadership through internal policies, modeling, and external education.Land-Reforestation/Tree Planting; Infill DevelopmentAir-City Operations & External OperationsWaste-Examine Recycling Feasibility; Reduce Landfill % Water-Proactive Role in Water Conservation through PartnershipsEnergy-Improve Residential and Commercial Efficiency; Establish LEED-Based MenuCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTCapital Projects, Engineering, Geospatial Services, Permits & Inspections

8. Institutionalize PlanningReadopted the 2003 Floodplain Management Plan to satisfy FEMA NFIP-Community Rating System Class 7 requirementsComprehensive Plan-General updates; Improve coordination of implementation internally and externallyTransportation-Create draft version of 2009 Major Thoroughfare and Freeway PlanDevelopment-Continued, efficient process from pre-dev through constructionAnnexations-Improvements in feasibility process for determining next annexationsCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTCapital Projects, Engineering, Geospatial Services, Permits & inspections

9. Constructed Capital Improvements Ed Kharbat Drive Phase 2

10. Elevated Storage Tank

11. Ground Storage Tank

12. Downtown Revitalization Phase 9Gladstell Improvements

13. Conroe Park North Sections Four & Five (Inspection only)Downtown Phase 9Ed Kharbat Drive Phase 2Ground Storage TankElevated Storage TankGladstell Paving improvementsCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTCapital Projects, Engineering, Geospatial Services, Permits & inspections