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(ARCHIVE PHOTO | THE GRAHAM LEADER) An overview of the downtown square looking north on Elm Street. The city recently approved its 2040 strategic plan which includes a priority of promoting and enhancing the downtown business district.
Putting the priorities of the city in a quick reference with completed and future tasks is the goal of the city of Graham’s 2040 strategic plan recently approved by the Graham City Council.
The city council met Thursday, Aug. 15 and approved the list of priorities, which was first presented to them in a shortened list in July by Graham City Manager Eric Garretty, to be included with the upcoming budget.
The strategic plan can be modified at any time and the list of priorities can also be reordered.
Priority 1: Make residential housing available and affordable
This first priority would be accomplished through three tasks, starting with developing a housing incentive program with the Graham Economic Improvement Corporation (GEIC). The Affordable Housing Incentive Program was approved by the Graham City Council during their Thursday, July 18 meeting after approval from the GEIC board Tuesday, July 9.
The second and final tasks would be to develop an incentive program in conjunction with the GEIC to encourage in-fill housing redevelopment and to establish a reserve for a Housing Development Fund.
Priority 2: Improve the sustainability water and wastewater systems
The city would work towards this goal by prioritizing funding for the sustainability of the existing water and wastewater treatment systems, water distribution system and existing water transmission system.
The second and final task would be to increase the city’s use of its reclaimed water and access to alternate sources of water supply. Plug Power is currently funding through reimbursements a project for a reclaimed water line from the city wastewater treatment plant which will flow to their new hydrogen plant and to private customers.
Priority 3: Sustain and expand transportation infrastructure
In May 2023, the city established the Transportation Improvements Committee to study, refine and determine projects and programs to sustain and expand the city’s transportation infrastructure. This was the first task which would then help to prioritize the construction of alternative transportation modes to reduce vehicle traffic and improve pedestrian and cyclists safety.
The city will also work to develop programs for traffic safety improvement and the reduction of truck traffic along the city’s major highways. The improvements committee has discussed proposed routes connecting Hwy. 16 and Hwy. 67 as a measure to reduce truck traffic along Hwy. 16.
The city’s final task would be to annually increase the street repair and improvement. The city has budgeted $875,000 for street repair and rehabilitation and curb and gutter repair in its upcoming budget.
Priority 4: Incentivize and promote activities that encourage tourism
Formerly known as the Graham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Graham is funded by the city’s Hotel Occupancy Taxes (HOT) which they use in support of getting heads in beds and to sponsor local events. The city is working to support the Visit Graham and Graham Chamber of Commerce initiatives in attracting visitors.
The city will additionally work in conjunction with Visit Graham and other local arts and cultural organizations to develop, fund and promote events which are at minimal or no cost for both tourists and residents. Supporting, incentivizing and encouraging development of additional overnight accommodations are another task, which will increase HOT revenue.
Priority 5: Incentivize economic development and job creation
The city will work to support GEIC incentives and provide additional funding for initiatives developed and recommended by the GEIC. Provided by the GEIC are a Facade Grant Program, Business Expansion and Relocation Program, Affordable Housing Incentive Program and a Downtown Mix-Use Development Grant Program.
The city will also support, encourage and fund initiatives with the Graham campus of North Central Texas College and Graham ISD that enable Career and Technical Education programs.
The final task under this priority will be to support the economic environment by focusing on improving quality of life elements for residents.
Priority 6: Sustain and improve public safety capabilities
To maintain the city as a safe community, the city will develop plans and funding to support requests from Graham Police Department and Graham Fire Rescue. The city will also develop a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.
Priority 7: Sustain and expand park and recreation infrastructure
The first task which was already completed for the city was the establishment of a Parks board to study and recommend projects and programs to maintain the city park infrastructure. The Parks Department Board of Directors will encourage and fund projects which bring park and recreation service to underserved communities in the city.
The parks board approved 12 projects in a prioritized list as part of the parks master plan starting in 2025 and spanning 10 years. One task under this priority is to realize this plan.
The final task is for the city to work with the Parks board and Visit Graham to develop infrastructure and events to promote the city as a destination for youth sports activities.
The second priority on the parks master plan is multi-use athletic fields at the new park facility off West Street.
Priority 8: Promote and enhance the downtown business district
The Graham City Council approved the development of a Downtown Development District in January 2023, which was the first task of this priority. The board will help study and recommend projects and programs to sustain and improve the district.
The city will work to provide funding for projects which promote and enhance the district. One task is to develop a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) in the district, which was tabled after discussion from the DDD1 board and the Graham City Council in June.
The final task will be to develop a project for creation of an urban linear park within the designated district. A Third Street pedestrian plaza concept was presented to multiple boards for the city which is estimated at a cost of $1.9 million and would only be funded through donations and grants.
Priority 9: Expand the city corporate limits
The final priority has one task to revise the city’s Comprehensive Plan to identify land use considerations and identify possible areas for voluntary annexation.
