Tourism, like other sectors of the economy, requires sustainable employment. Overall employment for the tourism industry in Pearland peaked in 2017 and has been on a steady decline but has leveled off since 2020 with a 0% change from 2021 to 2022. Expectation is to see a gradual increase with additional hotel venues being constructed at Pearland Town Center.
properties will help to spur reinvestment in the area while improving the aesthetics of lots that are currently vacant. Finally, revisions to the zoning ordinance and city codes that would allow alternative housing types and greater flexibility in the range of available housing choices should be considered.
FIGURE 8.5 EMPLOYMENT
PERCENT CHANGE
Actions Items in green indicate a recommendation that is also included in the existing Pearland Prosperity (PP) framework. Î 8.1 Placemaking Guidelines: Develop or update design guidelines that require the implementation of established Placemaking practices in key place type areas and incentivize the use of natural areas and sustainable resources in the design of Pearland neighborhoods and amenity areas. Î 8.2 Lifestyle Amenities: Create design guidelines that ensure that employment centers are developed with lifestyle amenities (walkability, green space, on-site or nearby retail, etc.) that attract highly skilled, high-income workers. Î 8.3 Historic Preservation: Work with the Pearland Historical Society to develop a Historic Preservation Plan for Pearland to identify those buildings and neighborhoods that should receive local protection and state and national recognition. Include a small area plan for Old Town within the overall plan. Î 8.4 Branding: Continue working towards beautification and unification of the City through additional targeted areas through the use of City branding, identify historic landmarks, gateways, and link together those special places. Î 8.5 Performing Arts: Identify opportunities to host performing arts events in publicly owned spaces, including parks, street rights-of-way, and public buildings. Î 8.6 Famers Market: Partner with local businesses and residents to revive the Old Townsite Farmers Market along Grand Avenue with vendors to include local artists and small businesses. Î 8.7 Tourism Ads: Increase advertising efforts for existing EcoTourism, Sports Tourism, the Pearland GeoTour, Pearland Mural Tour, the Pear-Scape Trail, and other local attractions. Î 8.8 Public Art: Provide UDC amendments to clarify and allow murals on a variety of buildings, fences, and structures. Î 8.9 Arts Grant: Increase awareness for the Pearland Cultural Arts Grant as the art scene grows in Pearland. Î 8.10 Code Compliance: PP C-3: Ensure that Pearland’s commercial properties are well- maintained and in compliance with codes. Î 8.11 Expand Sports Fields: PP E-3: Seek to expand Pearland’s sports fields and ensure equitable distribution across the community. Î 8.12 Cultural Arts Master Plan: PP F-1: Support the implementation of the City of Pearland’s approved Cultural Arts Master Plan. Î 8.13 Local Support: PP F-2: Assess local support for establishing a branded cultural arts district in Pearland. Î 8.14 Sense of Place: PP F-3: Continue efforts to create a “sense of place” in Pearland activity districts and public spaces.
1,200
1,190
7%
1,130
1,070
4%
0%
0%
1,190
-2% -3%
1,010
-1%
-1%
1,170
1,150
-10%
1,020
1,010
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
2013- 2014
2014- 2015
2015- 2016
2016- 2017
2017- 2018
2018- 2019
2019- 2020
2020- 2021
2021- 2022
Feedback provided through the public outreach process indicated that people were looking for: Î Variety in types of stores and in-store selection Î Family-friendly cafes that are open later into the evening Î Sporting arenas Î Performing arts venues Î Variety of family entertainment Î Hotel conference centers Î Alternative transportation modes Î Outdoor attractions The City, PEDC, and the CVB are already addressing this feedback by investigating potential future development opportunities to provide these specific uses. The Pearland Prosperity Strategic Plan identifies a “vibrant retail sector” that will provide more variety of stores, dining options, and entertainment. The Plan also specifically identifies a sports facility and a hotel. These prioritized developments, when completed, will support local, regional, and national tourism. To support the tourism industry in the city, Pearland should offer a mix of housing types with varying price points. To attract residents, businesses, and visitors alike, it is important to provide an opportunity for people to live, work, and play within the city. CVB is also approaching kickoff on a Cultural Arts Master Plan. The overall goal of the Cultural Arts Master Plan is to create a common vision for the role that arts and culture should play in Pearland, as well as to ascertain what pieces of that vision can guide policy and programming to enhance the quality of life for Pearland residents, businesses, and visitors. This project will be kicking off in 2023 with an expected report due in 2024 after community-wide, public participation process is complete. As some of Pearland’s first established neighborhoods continue to age, challenges may arise that will require reinvestment. As infrastructure and overall design begin to age, neighborhoods are less attractive to new residents and developers alike. The City should consider adopting incentive programs to help address these issues and to help channel reinvestment into those areas. In addition, the community should consider investments that would make older neighborhoods more attractive and accessible. This could include upgrades to sidewalks and the installation of street trees and designed street lighting. The City should identify vacant parcels and promote infill development within the area. These infill
PEARLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2040
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Chapter 8
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