In order for us to work together to seek solutions for this region, it is important to understand some key ideas about the Hill Country and some principles about regional planning and conservation. We are collecting documents, studies and articles on this page that are important to read in order to fully understand why the Hill Country needs a more responsible approach to growth.

Cost of Community Services Hays County 04/28/2007 PDF
Do Counties Need Power to Cope with Urban Sprawl? 04/02/2006 PDF
The Texas House Research Organization issued this report in 2002. This study explores Texas' Counties limited ability to plan for growth and why it has lead to Sprawl.
Paris News Series on Water Planning in Texas 01/03/2008 Word
Parkland and Open Space in the Texas Hill Country 06/01/2001 PDF
Proximate Principle 03/31/2006 A&M PDF
THE PROXIMATE PRINCIPLE: The Impact of Parks, Open Space and Water Features on Residential Property Values and the Property Tax Base. By John Crompton at Texas A&M University.
Roundtable Report 02/05/2006 Mary Sanger PDF
Report written by The Center for Public Policy in 1997. This report gives a good history of the lack of county authority in Texas and how that has led to sprawl and unplanned growth in the Hill Country.
Understanding Property Rights 12/07/2006 Word
This paper is an excellent overview of Property Rights, Land-use law and Regulatory "takings". These concepts have regularly been misunderstood and miscommunicated. "Sensible land-use laws almost always enhance, rather than depress, property values".