Infrastructure projects will transform downtown and provide safer options for people traveling to and within Downtown Austin.
• Advance creative financing strategies to fund the deck and tunnel elements for the downtown caps over I-35 (Our Future 35)
• Secure necessary federal funding and protect usage of local revenue sources for construction of light rail
• Adopt Wooldridge Station as an additional downtown light rail station
• Begin construction on the Congress Avenue preferred design
• Adopt and implement the Austin Core Transportation Plan
• Advance and expand the Construction Partnership Program
REFORM THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT CODE
Downtown should be the densest, most walkable and vibrant center of the region; our city plans and land use policies should support these goals.
• Advance the new Downtown Austin Plan
• Support and advance the Innovation/Medical District
• Increase density and development through a revised development incentive program
• Encourage affordable housing in or near downtown
• Focus on policies affecting the South-Central Waterfront
• Support and enhance the health and sustainability of the downtown tree canopy
• Plan for removing the Capitol View Corridors while preserving live music venues
FUND INNOVATIVE HOMELESSNESS OUTREACH PROGRAMS & HOUSING
The police, EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and 911 should not be the first and only ways to address non-criminal, non-threatening issues related to people experiencing homelessness or non-threatening public behavior issues.
• Improve the homelessness response system and improve its capacities at all levels by actively coordination with public, private and nonprofit partners
• Increase Funding for non-congregate shelter, emergency services and services needed to sustain permanent supportive housing projects
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN STRATEGIC INITIATIVE & ECONOMIC VITALITY
Ensure communication and cross-collaboration during the next ten years of downtown growth through the City-Council adopted Downtown Austin Strategic Initiative (DASI).
• Ensure the DASI office is fully funded and working in close partnership with the Downtown Austin Alliance and its partners
• Support return to office initiatives and increase downtown office occupancy through policy and funding tools
• Update, streamline, and modernize Downtown PID Policies
SAVE LIVE MUSIC
As the eastern edge of Downtown Austin continues to develop, preserve cultural music venues that make Austin the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
• Implement financial incentives for the creation and preservation of live music and legacy businesses
KEEP DOWNTOWN CLEAN, SAFE & WELCOMING
Downtown Austin is a place for everyone. As such, it should be safe, clean and welcoming to visitors, residents and workers.
• Increase enforcement of the sit, lie and camp ban
• Increase public visibility and interactions with Austin Police Department, Fire Department and Emergency Medical Technicians
• Advance the cross-agency Mental Health Diversion Center
• Improve cleanliness, increasing oversight of alleyways, litter and recycling resources
• Expand the use of APD Technology and Safety Camera System
• Develop and implement a downtown lighting plan
KEEP DOWNTOWN VIBRANT
Amidst ongoing growth and change, Downtown Austin should be a place that ignites, attracts, and cultivates arts, culture, music and a sense of place.
• Direct funds to small businesses impacted by construction to cover operating expenses
• Install WiFi in public spaces downtown
• Protect major events and economic drivers for downtown
• Advance implementation of intermediate E. 6th Street improvements
• Make event processes and fees more affordable and streamlined
• Encourage reuse of vacant spaces through owner incentives or tax abatements
• Expedite and simplify permitting processes
The mission of the Downtown Austin Alliance is to create, preserve and enhance the vibe, vitality and value of Downtown Austin for everyone. Working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders, we champion policies, regulations and funding that advance our mission and address downtown’s most pressing needs.
Keeping our downtown clean, safe and welcoming is our highest priority and fundamental to our economic vibrancy.
Additionally, we support efforts to ensure the economic competitiveness of downtown, focusing on economic growth through efforts to attract and retain business, streamline the regulatory environment and shape growth through a new plan for Downtown Austin.
