BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL PROVIDES FEEDBACK FOR WASHINGTON CO. STRATEGIC PLANNING

  

The Brenham City Council gathered for a workshop session on Wednesday to offer input for Washington County’s strategic planning process.

Councilmembers broke into small group discussions to go over what they believe Washington County does best, what its most important needs are and what their ideal future for the county would look like.

Many of the thoughts expressed by the council mirrored the answers shared by residents at the citizen strategic planning meetings held during the month of July.  For example, when asked what they appreciate most about Washington County, councilmembers pointed to the small-town charm, the camaraderie of the community and the county’s natural beauty.

When it came to what the county could improve in, councilmembers said they want to collaborate with the county on development projects in order to ensure sustainable growth.  They also pointed to roadway and infrastructure improvements, the maintenance of current public facilities and planning for new ones, and the need for a county administrator.

The county’s top needs, according to the council, are groundwater conservation, keeping up with infrastructure and roads, bringing jobs to the area, supporting local schools, building a judicial center, and repairs and security at the courthouse. 

Support for schools was also listed as a primary challenge for the county, along with maintaining affordability, protecting water sources and spurring economic development. 

Looking out to the future, 10 years from now, the council said it would like to see younger families, more industry and additional medical facilities. 

The work session was guided by representatives from the county’s strategic planning firm, Strategic Government Resources (SGR), with assistance from some county officials who were present. 

The next step in the process will be a workshop for a progress report and update from SGR at Washington County Commissioners’ next meeting on Tuesday.

Also at Wednesday’s council meeting, members approved insurance coverage plans and renewals for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year.