Responsible Growth

Rendering of an open green space near the river

At the heart of the Waco Downtown Redevelopment Project is a commitment to responsible growth. As we envision the future of our downtown, we are balancing bold, visionary transformation with a respect for both our environment and our taxpayers. Our approach to sustainability ensures that as Waco grows, it does so in a way that is environmentally conscious, financially prudent, and beneficial to all residents.

Moving Forward Affordably

A thriving downtown should not compromise our community's financial health. We are committed to smart growth and moving forward affordably.

We have carefully designed the project’s financing plan to ensure that our visionary first phase—Barron’s Branch—can be delivered without any reduction to the annual Capital Improvement Program, which funds critical infrastructure and neighborhood improvements throughout the City of Waco. To protect taxpayers, we are leveraging strategic funding sources to cover the costs responsibly:

  • Streets and Parks: Costs will be fully covered by the corresponding Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIF 1).
  • Essential Utilities: Water, wastewater, and drainage utility improvements will be funded entirely through their respective, dedicated funds.
  • Minimal Resident Impact: Most importantly, we have structured this financing so that the total impact of this generational project on residents' utility bills will be less than 70 cents per month.

By utilizing these precise financial tools, we are protecting the city's financial foundation while delivering the vibrant downtown Waco deserves.

Environmental Stewardship

True responsible growth also means demonstrating a continued commitment to environmental stewardship. To achieve a cohesive, sustainable urban environment that honors Waco's natural beauty, the City and Hunt Development Group are guiding development through a Form-Based Code.

What is a Form-Based Code?

Unlike traditional zoning that primarily dictates how a property is used (e.g., commercial versus residential), a form-based code focuses on the physical appearance, size, and shape of buildings, as well as the public spaces around them. It is an effective, visual toolkit designed to guarantee a highly walkable, pedestrian-oriented environment.

Our intention for environmental sustainability and nature is directly reflected in this code. Rather than treating nature as an afterthought, the Form-Based Code bakes green practices directly into the rules of downtown development:

  • Tree Preservation & "Legacy Trees": The code actively encourages developers to preserve our urban canopy by granting development credits for keeping existing trees. Furthermore, it designates "legacy trees"—such as Waco's historic giant live oaks—that are strictly protected and cannot be removed.
  • Protecting Native Species: It enacts specific protections for native and culturally significant tree species, including the bald cypress, Texas ash, and American maple, ensuring they thrive as they mature.
  • Walkability and Green Spaces: By mandating shaded pedestrian pathways, integrating green boulevards, and encouraging development that reduces car dependency, the code ensures that our downtown prioritizes healthy, active living and emissions reduction.

We invite you to read the detailed regulations and see exactly how our commitment to nature, walkability, and smart development is codified into the future of our city.

Read the Form-Based Code

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