Palm School Project Timeline

• January 24, 2023
  County staff proposes a Concept Planning process, including the creation of a Palm School Steering Committee. The plan is approved.
• June 27, 2023
  Commissioners Court formally adopts a charge for the Steering Committee.
• July 12 – August 18, 2023
  The Steering Committee Interest Form is available online and in person to recruit community members.
• August 8, 2023
  Commissioners Court approves the partner organizations for the Steering Committee, extends the application deadline, and names the Selection Team.
• May 21, 2024
  Commissioners Court approves the final Steering Committee slate, which includes both partner organization reps and community members.
• September 10, 2024
  The Save Palm School Coalition is added to the Steering Committee. Maria Solis is named as the group’s representative.
• September 14, 2024
  Travis County hosts a welcoming event for the Steering Committee.
• May 29, 2025
  The Steering Committee begins monthly meetings.
• December 11, 2025
  The Steering Committee adopts a Group Charter outlining the purpose, objectives, roles, and expectations of the Steering Committee.
• July 14, 2026
  The Travis County Commissioners Court approves a community engagement plan to be implemented by the Steering Committee
• August 8 - September 30th
  The community engagement process begins. The Steering Committee and Travis County staff host 7 workshops, an online survey, and 1 storytelling event to hear from community members. To spread the word, Travis County staff also attend the Pan American Hillside Concert, Viva Mexico at the MACC, and the Independencia Day Celebration at Republic Square."

Below are previous planning efforts that have led Travis County to this point. To view details of past actions taken by Travis County and by Commissioners Court, please click on each heading to open a drop-down.

• March 2020
  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Commissioners Court places a hold on new economic development efforts. Work on the Palm School and Expo Center is paused.
• June 29, 2021
  County staff presents a redevelopment proposal to the public and Commissioners Court. The plan includes restoring the historic structure and redeveloping the surrounding parcel to support expanded social services. Commissioners Court directs staff to hold a public meeting before proceeding.

• August 20, 2019
  Commissioners Court reviews the draft legal language of the restrictive covenants. A public comment period is announced.
• August 21 – September 20, 2019
  The County conducts a 30-day public comment period. Residents submit ~250 comments via email and written feedback.
• October 22, 2019
  Commissioners Court receives a summary of public feedback during a regular voting session.
• October 29, 2019
  Final version of the restrictive covenants is presented and approved by Commissioners Court.
• December 17, 2019
  Commissioners Court authorizes staff to pursue a professional services contract for real estate and financial advisory services related to the Palm School site.
• February 4, 2020
  Court approves a detailed scope of services for real estate and finance consultants.

• April 12, 2018
  Commissioners Court receives the Historic Structure Report for the Palm School building.
• May 8, 2018
  Commissioners Court creates the Palm School Advisory Board to draft deed covenants that reflect the site's historic, cultural, and real estate value. A new property appraisal is also authorized.
• June 19, 2018
  County staff hosts the first community meeting and launches a public survey. Community members provide input on preservation priorities, potential uses, and the site’s connection to Palm Park.
• June 2018 to January 2019
  Advisory Board meets regularly and drafts restrictive covenants for the sale or lease of the Palm School property.
  View June 4, 2019 presentation to Commissioners Court (PDF)
• April 3, 2019
  County staff hosts a second community meeting to collect feedback on the draft covenants. Another public survey is conducted.
• June 4, 2019
  Commissioners Court adopts general restrictive covenants and directs the County Attorney’s Office to translate them into legal language. Community members are invited to submit suggestions.