As the city has drastically expanded, in terms of population over the years, there are concerns about possible infrastructure issues in Austin. Bottom line: It’s a BIG job running Austin. And it gets bigger and more challenging as a it grows, and more people expect the same and more from their new home.
In its most basic description, infrastructure is “the system of public works of a country, state or region” plus “the resources such as personnel, buildings or equipment required for an activity” [Merriam-Webster dictionary]. Since the prefix infra- means “below”, infrastructure is the underlying structure and fixed installation necessary for residents to function well.
How an Infrastructure Keeps a City Functioning
Usually streets and bridges come to mind with some mention of infrastructure, but oh, there is so much more. Expanding on just those two things, one can add street lights, gutters, curbs, sidewalks, water runoff management, paint on bridges, paint lines for lanes, passing, stopping on streets, signs and the posts which hold them up, traffic circles, parking, traffic lights, paving, routine evaluation and inspection for pot holes, rust, structure compromises, failing concrete and supports — and that’s not all for just streets and bridges.
Quality of Life: Schools, Parks, Museums, and the Power Grid
Municipalities are charged with having state-of-the-art schools, emergency medical services, law enforcement, fire stations and all the personnel, vehicles and equipment to operate efficiently and effectively for the safety, security and well-being of residents. Electrical and power grids, clean water supply, sewers and treatment plants and robust communications networks fall to the town, city and/or county.
Quality of life infrastructure includes libraries, parks and green spaces, river and stream banks, playgrounds, community centers, nature conservation, museums and cultural preservation. Factor in park benches, park lighting, park mowing and trimming, trash removal and the staff, buildings and equipment to keep everything tidy, clean, up-to-date and orderly for the enjoyment and pleasure of local residents and visitors.
This list is not all inclusive, as within municipal offices there are even more departments which contribute to quality of life. Economic development, housing and planning, labor relations, municipal court, finances and taxes, and regulatory affairs are just some.
Austin’s Infrastructure Issues and Transportation
The powers-that-be in Austin are well-aware of the challenges of growing and growing fast. Over the past few years, with the influx of new residents in Austin and the surrounding areas, traffic has dramatically increased making rush hour less than enjoyable. In late 2020, this city approved a $7 billion transit expansion dubbed Project Connect. One of the major goals is to slide effectively from automobile-based transportation to a multi-modal transportation system. Current ground transportation is provided by CapMetro. It was established in 1985 and runs buses, light rail, freight rail, shuttles and rapid transit across more than 80 routes with some 2,000 bus stops.
Project Connect will include four rapid bus routes, two new light rail lines and completely new subway tunnels downtown and to the south. Higher than expected construction costs and inflation are playing into a review of some of these bold plans. The bike share program is upgrading to fully electric bicycles.
The practicality of implementing more public transportation spills into the issue of housing. People need to live near the stations, and that is prompting a serious look at developing less expensive, higher density housing that current zoning laws permit. So you have the sticky wicket of transportation, land use and housing all connected with no simple or fast solutions.
Austin Infrastructure and Water Issues
The water infrastructure is always being evaluated as more people drink, use and need clean water and safe sewer facilities. A smart meter program will modernize some infrastructure, and the “meter reader” will be phased out of work in favor of digital meters connected to a wireless network for recording and billing. Additionally, Austin water professionals are securing near-zero percent interest loans to fund water improvements, as well as ensuring that new development pay their share for water and wastewater infrastructure.
Parks and Green Energy
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department strives to honor the past while embracing challenges which lie ahead. Around 400 parks dot the city landscape. The non-profit Austin Parks Foundation works with the community to keep parks green and safe and clean through volunteer work, donations and innovative programs.
Austin Energy provides much of the electric service in the city, and several other publicly-owned companies offer electricity in the suburbs. Atmos Energy, CenterPoint and Texas Gas Service maintain gas energy along with several propane suppliers.
You know the old adage that once you admit you have a problem, you are part way to the solution. This is not lost on Austin. The community bigwigs are well-aware of the challenges and potential infrastructure issues in Austin that come with growth, even monumental growth now being experienced in the Capital City of the great state of Texas. Every day, every week, every month and every year, they move forward with perceptive plans, sensitive solutions and practical schemes to keep their beloved city humming in smart ways.
Any questions? If so, give us a call at Habitat Hunters, and we can help break all this information down for you.
