Liberty Hill Leaders Discuss Launching Dark Skies Business Recognition Program

Dark Skies Program Consideration

The local government leaders in the city of Liberty Hill are in discussions to initiate a Dark Skies Business Recognition program. This initiative is meant to acknowledge companies that comply or are in the process of aligning with the city’s outdoor lighting ordinance.

This ordinance was established in August 2022, as a move toward having Liberty Hill receive an International Dark Sky Places designation. This would recognize the Texas city for its commitment toward preserving the night sky through quality lighting ordinances and dark sky education.

Enforced Compliance

After the ordinance’s implementation, businesses were given up to five years, or until 2027, to modify their lighting facilities to be in compliance with the new regulations. Council Member Diane Williams expressed that city leaders should begin raising awareness about the ordinance with three years remaining to the deadline.

The recognition program was proposed to not only serve as positive reinforcement for compliant businesses, but also bring awareness and assistance to the noncompliant ones. Katie Amsler, the city’s director of community engagement and communication, mentioned that for this program to become a reality, certain procedures need to be followed.

Compliance Procedures

For the successful implementation of the Dark Skies Business Recognition program, Amsler suggests the city design a set of guidelines, offer an application procedure, create a scoring system, and establish a process for examining business facilities to ensure adherence with the new guidelines.

Amsler also emphasized the city must dedicate time to visit nominated businesses and officially present the award. Liberty Hill has been working earnestly toward submitting an application for a Dark Sky designation since July 2023. City officials are anticipating receipt of this designation by the summer of 2025.

A State-wide Distinction

There are currently over 20 sites in Texas that hold the title of International Dark Sky Places, a majority of which are located in Central Texas. Upon receipt of this designated status, Liberty Hill would be the first northern Austin-area city with such a recognition.

Potential Challenges and Looking Ahead

Despite the city’s efforts, City Manager Paul Brandenburg expressed concerns over the resources required to manage such a program, stating that current city staff members are “stretched so thin”.

Katie Amsler, in agreement with Brandenburg, mentioned that while the program holds value, it can only be pursued when they have the needed resources at their disposal. However, Amsler did mention that the program was worth probing further and if city council considered it a top priority, she was hopeful it could be scheduled for the following year with the potentials of additional staff and time.

Author: HERE News