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I try and never miss the Platinum Top 50 Spring Thinkers and Doers Event. Chelsea Timmons, the lovely new Austin PT50 owner, opened this year's program! As usual this year’s event was so informative, with 4 speakers giving us an overview of some pretty amazing happenings in Austin. I love staying connected! |
Sam Gervase the Policy advisor for Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pools office was first up going over the land development code changes in Austin. We’ve had no changes in 40 years so there have been some pretty controversial proposed changes for land development on what you can do and where you can do it. From reducing lot sizes, simplifying standards, and reducing some significant restrictions; all to create more housing options for middle income earners and increase housing supply. Questions were asked and one is about deed restricted communities. Those restrictions supersede the ability to exercise changes and would take a community to decide if willing to give up those restrictions.
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Roxanne Ford, SRV/Business Development at Austin title introduced Joanna Wolaver, executive Director of Travis County Parks Foundation, a non-profit. She gave an enlightening over view of the future of Travis County Parks and Greenways and all the options in and surrounding Austin. In 1939 we had 4 parks and now we have 27! |
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There is so much on the drawing board and will be something Austinities will be able to enjoy for a long time.
Douglas Gilliland, Managing Director Taurus County Investment Holdings LLC for Whisper Valley Master planned community. They earned the 2023 Master Planned Community of the year from the HBA of greater Austin MAX Awards. They promote healthy living, great schools and sustainability. The Travis County Parks are an integral part in the development of this community.
The last speaker was Michael Harper, Director of Business Development for ICON, building sustainability to scale through Robotic Construction. For the past 100 years it’s been sticks and bricks construction. Technology was bound to change the way homes can be constructed to withstand tornadoes, hurricanes, fires and it’s amazing the progress that has been made. Jason Ballard, Co-founder and CEO of ICON has joined forces with Alan Graham, CEO of Mobiles Loaves and Fishes in delivering a series of homes for Austin homeless.
They even have a grant with NASA to collaborate on Moon Missions.
They are working on an AI platform for designing floorplans with the input of the client and will be able to pull together all the documents and permits. AI will be playing a role in construction, powered by robotics.
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The event gave me so much to think about of the different facets of what is going on in Austin, that are interrelated. I'm glad Laurie West, a colleague and friend went with me. Thank you PT 50 for another mind blowing event! |
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