From the narrow streets, credit-card operated parking meters, and lofty glass buildings many of us interact with every day, a lot has changed in Austin over the past century. Like many cities, Austin has been installing technological improvements to gather data in hopes of becoming cleaner, cost effective, reducing traffic, and improving urban life. And it all starts with the proper city planning.

In Austin, the concept of city planning can be traced back to Walter E. Long who was considered the “father” of city planning. Long helped organized some of the most notable agencies in Austin including the Lower River Colorado Authority which built dams to form what is now the Highland Lakes chain. The prominent businessman, civic leader, local historian, and—yes—manager of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce believed whole heartily in the quote “a city cannot be built without people and a desirable city cannot be built without people of good character.”

It’s only fitting that the Greater Austin Chamber will host Making Central Texas Work! as we explore Long’s world of city planning and its function in building a prosperous region. The event, to be held October 30 at the JW Marriott, features three engaging panel discussions followed by keynote speaker Jeffrey Tumlin, an expert in helping communities achieve wider goals and best utilize their limited resources. The event will conclude with a reception with mayors, elected officials, and community leaders.

The first of the three-panel discussions, agencies on regional planning and execution, will explore the many ways local agencies address water, electricity, infrastructure, and land use as the population of Central Texas continues to grow.

Panelists include Pete Winstead, Shareholder and Chair of Winstead PC and Austin Area Research Organization representative; Clara Beckett, County Commissioner of Bastrop Precinct 2 and Vice Chair of Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization; Jeff Dailey, Deputy Director of Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority; Wade Cooper, Chair of Capital Metro; Terry McCoy, District Engineer of the Texas Department of Transportation; and Gerald Daugherty, Travis County Commissioner of Precinct 3.

The panel will be moderated by Jeffrey Tumlin, Principal and Director of Strategy for Nelson Nygaard.

Tickets are $65 for members; $75 at the door and for non-members.

Click here to register.