VISION
The Texas State Legislature created Westchase District in 1995 to promote economic development within our specific boundaries. We accomplish that goal by promoting and improving area mobility, beautification, and public safety. We also promote the area through communications and marketing and have developed a long-range plan to ensure that Westchase remains the commercial and cultural heart of West Houston for generations to come.
Long-Range Plan
A collaborative two-year process that involved our Board of Directors and staff, public agency representatives, numerous stakeholders, architects, engineers and urban planners conceived Westchase District’s Long-Range Plan and brought it to life. The result is a vision that is both compelling and ambitious but also achievable with time. The plan provides a framework to help guide future development. By making changes to the public environment that developers can leverage, it will attract investment and increase economic values in Westchase District. We have already implemented the first part of the plan by developing a three-part trail system that connects Westchase District to the Brays Bayou trail system and Art Storey Park south of Bellaire.
380 Area Agreement
The 380 Area Agreement provides Westchase District with funds to construct City-approved infrastructure projects during the next 10 years. It is somewhat like a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) where the assessed value of properties within the 380 Area are capped and the increased revenues are provided to the District for infrastructure projects. Based on the City’s projections, the Westchase 380 Area Agreement could provide $63 million during the life of the agreement. These revenues will be used to attract and leverage additional funds. For more information, visit Westchase District’s Long-Range Plan.
Greenspace for Westchase
The Greenspace for Westchase campaign was created to cover the $3.2 million gap in funds necessary to build Wilcrest Park into a regional destination. Wilcrest Park will be built on a 3.5-acre parcel of land located on Wilcrest Drive immediately north of Robinson-Westchase Library and Westchase District’s Library Loop Trail. The park is in final design and the District’s board is expected to award a construction contract for the park later this year. So far, more than $1 million has been donated or pledged to the Greenspace for Westchase campaign.
Mobility Plan
The Westchase District Mobility Plan is an effort to define a clear direction in transportation by bringing together relevant plans and projects; developing a clear and comprehensive understanding of the existing state of mobility; agreeing to consensus-driven goals; and providing strategic recommendations on how to realize the District’s vision for excellent mobility. The District leverages the plan to seek additional funding at both the state and federal levels to finance recommended improvements.
Ped Bike Plan
Westchase District has a long-term pedestrian/bicycle master plan. This plan’s purpose is to identify pedestrian and bicycling needs and create initiatives to improve bicycle transportation, recreation and pedestrian and transit access throughout Westchase District.
Livable Centers Study
A year-long effort among Westchase District, the Houston-Galveston Area Council, Asakura Robinson and Walter P. Moore, The Livable Centers Study represents a step in the continued evolution of efforts to create a more pedestrian-friendly and mobile community. The study area focuses on the eastern portion of Westchase District and aims to help provide future alternate transportation choices, improved housing options and enhanced economic competitiveness.