Challenge
As Universal City positioned itself for a new phase of redevelopment and long-term growth, City leadership recognized the need for a truly comprehensive plan that could guide future land use, housing, infrastructure, and economic development decisions in a coordinated way. The challenge was not simply planning for growth, but managing it with redevelopment pressures, evolving community needs, and the City’s relationship to Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)-Randolph. The plan also needed to consider prior planning efforts, including the JBSA Regional Compatible Use Plan and the City’s Aviation District Master Plan.
Solution
The planning team worked closely with City leadership to develop a coordinated strategy. The process incorporated a robust public engagement program designed to capture input from decision-makers and the broader community in meaningful ways. Joint workshops with the Planning Commission and City Council helped build early alignment around priorities, opportunities, and policy direction. These sessions were critical in establishing consensus on the City’s long-range vision and provided a forum for discussing redevelopment conditions, growth constraints, and implementation priorities in a collaborative setting.
To expand community participation, the team also used a “meet them where they are” engagement model, including an interactive booth at the City’s annual Snowfest event. This approach broadened outreach beyond conventional public meetings and helped gather feedback from residents and families who might otherwise have been underrepresented in the process. The result was a more informed planning effort shaped by both technical analysis and community-based input.
Benefit
The completed Comprehensive Plan gives Universal City a clear framework for managing redevelopment, expanding housing options, and supporting economic growth while protecting a major regional asset in JBSA-Randolph. The plan provides a practical tool for guiding investment, evaluating development opportunities, and improving quality of life through coordinated, long-range planning.
