North Austin News

The City of Austin's Planning Department has released a draft Equity-Based Preservation Plan and is seeking community feedback on the proposal. The plan, which aims to make Austin a better city for residents and visitors, is built on an inclusive, equity-focused, and community-oriented framework. It recommends policies, programs, and tools that align with historic preservation goals.

The draft plan presents more than 100 recommendations that support 14 goals. These goals range from recognizing cultural heritage to stabilizing communities and supporting the stewardship of community assets. The recommendations take a proactive and strategic approach, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and upfront information-gathering. The plan also proposes a range of incentives and tools to ensure that preservation benefits all residents of the city. Additionally, it aims to maintain a high standard for historic designation while telling Austin's full and complex story.

According to Planning Department Director Lauren Middleton-Pratt, the draft plan is an improvement on the current preservation plan that has been in place since 1981. Middleton-Pratt said, "This new and improved Equity-Based Preservation Plan will carry us into the future by providing us fresh tools to take a more comprehensive approach to honoring and acknowledging Austin's rich and complicated past."

The planning process for the draft plan was initiated by the Historic Landmark Commission. To develop the plan, a diverse 26-member Preservation Plan Working Group was appointed. The group comprised historic preservation professionals, stakeholders from allied fields, and community representatives. Linda Y. Jackson, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Huston-Tillotson University and a member of the working group, praised the thoroughness and intentionality of the process. Jackson said, "I learned a lot from the participants and appreciated the opportunity to hear different views."

The working group drew on best practices from across the nation and received feedback from three community focus groups. They also consulted with City staff from 12 departments and conducted a community heritage survey. Additionally, a Technical Assistance Panel organized by the Urban Land Institute provided recommendations on affordability and displacement prevention. In total, over 300 people contributed to shaping the draft plan.

Austinites are encouraged to explore the draft plan online or review a printed version at various locations, including the Austin Public Library and the Planning Department. The community review period will remain open until May 31, 2024. To kickstart the process, a community event will be held on February 13, where community leaders will discuss Austin's rich history, cultural heritage, displacement prevention, sustainability, and the importance of historic preservation.

Lindsey Derrington, Executive Director of Preservation Austin, highlighted the potential of the draft plan to transform how Austin preserves its diverse heritage. Derrington stated, "This work is needed now more than ever. We hope many community members review it and speak up about what matters to them—and how we can work together to preserve it." Brita Wallace, a member of the working group and leader of the Austin Infill Coalition, emphasized the importance of expanding participation beyond traditional preservation groups. Wallace said, "We need to expand beyond the traditional preservation groups and into new audiences that haven't been as involved in preservation."

The Planning Department has planned various outreach efforts to engage the community in the review process. City-hosted events, pop-up outreach at community events, and presentations at organizational meetings are among the activities. Additionally, ten community ambassadors and five community organizations have received funding to facilitate engagement with historically marginalized communities through small-group conversations and targeted events.

The community organizations involved in the outreach efforts are Anderson Community Development Corporation, Creative Action, East Austin Conservancy, the Austin chapter of Taiwanese American Professionals, and Tomorrow's Promise Foundation.

Overall, the draft Equity-Based Preservation Plan aims to create a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future for the city of Austin. The plan's recommendations and goals have been developed with input from a diverse group of Austinites. Now, the community is invited to provide feedback and contribute to shaping the final plan that will reflect the values, history, and heritage of the entire city.