Vision 2020 launched in April 2012 with a simple goal: to make Austin a better place to live, work, and play for everyone. I know all of our volunteers are proud of the work they’ve put in and the big things they’ve accomplished over the past five years, but we know there is much yet to be done in the time we have left.

As I outlined in my last column, 2016 was a particularly exciting year filled with major happenings for Vision 2020 and the Austin community. From the opening of the new downtown Spam Museum to redevelopment of the former Oak Park Mall site to approval of the Community Recreation Center project, our city is poised to make even greater strides in 2017.

Each of our committees is working hard to plan their projects, programs, and events for the coming year, and it’s hard to do them all justice in such a short space. I try to avoid the “laundry list” approach when talking about our volunteers’ work, but it can sometimes be useful to appreciate the sheer amount of activity that is transforming our community as we speak.

The Biking and Walking committee, for example, is eagerly anticipating the completion of the Shooting Star Trail in 2017, which will accelerate Austin’s growing reputation as a regional bicycling destination. Business Friendly Environment is organizing a business plan competition to encourage and highlight all of the innovative entrepreneurial ideas in our midst. Community Pride and Spirit is setting up an online volunteer database to match organizations and individuals based on their needs and interests. The Community Recreation Center team will lead the design process and jump start a community capital campaign to make the new facility the best it can be. Community Wide Technology will continue to advocate for more state-level broadband funding and changes to outdated communications laws that make it difficult for cities like ours to develop innovative solutions. Destination Downtown is looking forward to more fun, family-friendly events that will be bigger and better than ever. Gateway to Austin is excited to see the first new bridge up on Interstate 90 and continues to plan for a new Austin/Mower County visitors center. Waterways volunteers are seeking funding for redevelopments near the Ramsey and Fourth Avenue dams that will make those areas more accessible and friendly for outdoor recreation.

As usual, there is so much more going on that you can be a part of, and much more that isn’t happening yet that you could help create.

Vision 2020’s only and entire reason for existence is to help translate the ideas and passion of volunteers into concrete action that will make our community better. We are here to provide the support and resources you need to get things done, and you can always get in touch at 507-437-3448 or www.vision2020austin.com. I look forward to what we will all accomplish together in this exciting new year.