Imagine Austin helps build on these efforts by connecting them to Citywide policies. In particular, these two initiatives are connected to four of Imagine Austin’s Priority Programs: • Develop and maintain household affordability throughout Austin In addition to improving market rate affordability within the City, this program also seeks to develop new programs aimed at maintaining existing and develop new affordable housing for blue-collar workers and the un- and under-employed within the city. • Continue to grow Austin’s economy by investing in our workforce, education systems, and entrepreneurs Many in Austin’s African American and Hispanic populations have not enjoyed the city’s recent prosperity. Imagine Austin addresses both sides of this dilemma: improving the skills the workforce has or needs and drawing more jobs that are available for those skills. • Create a Healthy Austin program Support services—from the City, non-profits, and private market—that makes healthy choices available and easy to make, such as by eliminating “food deserts.” • Invest in a compact and connected Austin Continued investment in existing neighborhoods is important to creating complete communities throughout the city that receive an equitable share of City services and amenities, such as pedestrian-friendly areas, shopping, transit, libraries, and safe and accessible playgrounds.
Any comprehensive plan in Austin owes a special duty to Austin’s black and Hispanic community, but Imagine Austin should go further. This plan should serve as a platform to ensure everyone in Austin is a part of one or more of the city’s vibrant communities, whether they are new or long-time residents, drawn by the local universities or high-paying construction jobs, whether they emigrate from Mexico, India, Viet Nam, or California.
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