Barrett Community Plan

TGC completed a Community Plan for the unincorporated community of Barrett, Texas, a Freedom Colony located in northeast Harris County. The planning process was initiated at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a massive shift in public outreach and stakeholder engagement practices.

The project team successfully utilized direct mailers, social media, and Zoom to facilitate three community meetings, seven task force meetings, and 10+ individual stakeholder dialogue sessions. The result of the public and stakeholder engagement process was the creation of a unified community vision and a set of goals. Project recommendations included drainage, roadway improvements, sidewalks, bicycle facilities, a culturally connected economic development plan, public-private partnerships, and the empowerment of a local governance structure towards increased local land use controls. TGC coordinated with County staff on the identification of traditional and innovative funding sources to facilitate implementation.

Finally, the planning process included an oral history component which included documented discussions with ten (10) community leaders. The oral history serves as a framework for the completion of a future cultural resource survey and future historic designations by state and national agencies. Harris County Precinct 2 has identified several projects within the plan for potential implementation. These include the construction of sidewalk improvements, roadway maintenance improvements, the allocation of funding to support the Barrett Management District, and the construction of improvements in Riley Chambers Park. The final report can be accessed on www.hcp2.com/community_planning.