The 2024 MCRP Homecoming Event: North Texas 2050 Revisited
On November 21st, the Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) program at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) hosted the 2024 Homecoming event. This year's theme, "North Texas 2050 Revisited," brought together many public officials, civic leaders, and community advocates who were integral to the Vision North Texas initiative.
From 2005 to 2010, Vision North Texas—a collaboration involving UTA, the Urban Land Institute (ULI), and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG)—produced the award-winning report, North Texas 2050. This report was a roadmap for accommodating the region's rapid growth and fostering coordinated development across local governments and real estate sectors.
The panel discussion at the Homecoming event aimed to explore the lasting influences of North Texas 2050 while assessing how growth-related issues have transformed since 2010. Donald Gatzke, a key figure in the discussions and former dean of the College of Architecture, revisited a memorable moment from 15 years ago when he proclaimed, "Business as Usual is dead." This reflection led to meaningful conversations about the tangible changes in policies and practices among public officials and developers.
Tamela Thornton from ULI emphasized the alignment of North Texas 2050 principles with their ambitious mission priorities, focusing on sustainable development and diverse leadership. Terrence Maiden, a leading real estate developer, shared insights from his transformative projects within distressed communities, highlighting the importance of adaptation in development practices. Meanwhile, Dan Johnson from the North Texas Commission underscored the region's pressing issues, emphasizing the collaborative efforts needed to address education, healthcare, and infrastructure challenges.
Following the panel discussion, the event culminated in a heartfelt reception honoring Dr. Ard Anjomani for his 40 years of dedication to the MCRP program. His influence on students and alums has created a legacy in urban planning and community development.
The 2024 MCRP Homecoming event celebrated past achievements and ignited engaging discussions on the future of urban planning in North Texas, reaffirming a collective commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and innovative growth.