Item #3 - CCDP_DesignCommission_18May2026 — original pdf

Backup

Central City District Plan Austin Planning | Design Commission | May 18, 2026 Agenda 01 02 03 04 05 Central City District Introduction Plan Overview Advisory Groups Project Timeline Progress to Date 2 The Central City District Plan Area Downtown Austin Plan area, South Central Waterfront area, and the University of Texas area  Lamar Boulevard to the west  Proposed UNO Update boundary to the north  I-35 to the east  Proposed South Central Waterfront regulating boundary to the south 3 About the Central City District Plan The 2011 Downtown Austin Plan is being updated as the Central City District Plan, including the University of Texas area and the South Central Waterfront. The Plan will create a 10-year blueprint for future growth and investments with a unified vision for improving land use, mobility, public spaces, and economic and cultural vibrancy in our urban core. It will align with existing citywide strategic plans and policies and seeks to build consensus for effective implementation. Community-informed vision and goals Place Type mapping to inform future development patterns Public realm and multimodal improvements Program, policy, project, and partnership recommendations Implementation action items Map: AECOM Data: City of Austin 4 Interagency Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) COA Departments Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Austin Housing Austin Capital Delivery Services Austin Parks & Recreation Austin Climate Action and Resilience Austin Planning Austin Communications and Engagement Austin Police Austin Development Services Austin Police Oversight Austin Economic Development Austin Public Library Austin Emergency Services Austin Resource Recovery Austin Energy Austin Small & Minority Business Resources Austin Equity and Inclusion Austin Project Connect Austin Facilities Management Austin Transportation and Public Works Austin Financial Services Austin Water Austin Fire Austin Watershed Protection Austin Government Relations Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations  Meets once monthly via Teams  Review draft deliverables using subject matter expertise  Will remain in contact on annual basis to inform implementation tracking Partner Agencies Austin Community College Austin Transit Partnership CapMetro Central Health Rally Austin Texas Department of Transportation Travis County University of Texas 5 Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) Member Organizations Accessible Housing Austin (aha!) Endeavors Safe Streets Austin ADAPT of Texas allgo AURA ATX Greater South River City Combined Neighborhood Plan Contact Team Shoal Creek Conservancy Judge’s Hill Neighborhood Association South Congress Merchant's Association La Pena Texas School for the Deaf Austin Chamber of Commerce Mexic Arte The Contemporary Austin Housing Coalition Movability The Trail Conservancy BASTA Austin Old Austin Neighborhood Association Trinity Center Black Mamas ATX Old West Austin Neighborhood Association Unite Here 23 (Hotel Workers Union) Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association On the Moov University Area Partners (UAP) Central Austin Neighborhood Planning Advisory Committee Opportunity Austin University of Texas - University Tenants' Union (UTU) College Houses Preservation Austin Visit Austin Downtown Austin Alliance Rainey Neighbors Association Waterloo Greenway Conservancy Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association Real Estate Council of Austin Workers Defense Project  ~ 40 members  Meets six times through December 2026  Workshop format for meetings  Review public feedback  Provide recommendations on draft deliverables 6 Project Timeline Existing Conditions Vision and Goals Needs and Gaps Analysis Fall 2025 Winter 2025 We are here Land Use Scenarios and Place Types Mapping Spring 2026 Plan Recommendations Summer 2026 Implementation Action Items Final Central City District Plan Fall 2026 Phase 1 Engagement:  Virtual and In-person Open Houses  District Survey Phase 1 Phase 2 Engagement:  Board and Commission Meetings  Virtual and In-person Open Houses  District Survey Phase 2 Phase 3 Engagement:  Open House  Virtual Open House Winter 2026  Board and Commission Meetings 7 Selected Built Environment Feedback  “I think the single most important thing that the Central City District Plan can do is encourage intense residential and mixed-use development in the Downtown and South Central Waterfront, especially in locations that are currently dead space (parking lots and garages and 1-2 story buildings that are underutilized).” –Phase 1 Survey  “Shaded frequent safe crossings. Better signal tech, smoother pavement. Repairing the sidewalks and potholes would help a lot.” –Downtown Commission Working Group  “Lighting, more police, more stores & shops open so there is traffic on foot in well-lighted areas.” –Downtown Commission Working Group  “Look at activating alleys. There was talk of that back around 2008 - 2010 or so that I'm aware of (maybe something more recent?) in case research has already been done on that.” –Interagency Technical Advisory Group  “Bike safety needs to be a priority! Drivers aren't aware/aren't penalized if they don't watch out for bikers.” –Open House #2 8 Vision to Actions Vision Statement Goals Objectives Actions Less specific More specific 9 Draft Vision Statement The Central City District is a complete, connected, and livable district that supports housing, jobs, commerce, education, tourism, arts, culture, and recreation within the urban core. Growth is intentional and coordinated, with land use, infrastructure, and services aligned to support everyday life and signature events. The District is the heart of Austin, bringing together the University of Texas area, Downtown, and the South Central Waterfront through safe and welcoming streets, active public spaces, and strong multimodal connections. The Central City District celebrates Austin’s identity by recognizing historic neighborhoods, cultural assets, and local businesses, while new development and investments complement the district’s character and long-term vitality. Through coordinated planning and implementation, stewardship, and investment, Central City adapts over time while maintaining its role as a center of community life, economic opportunity, and civic identity. Affordability, equity, sustainability, and comfort are prioritized to create a sense of belonging for those who live, work, learn, create, and visit the Central City District. 10 Vision and Goals – Draft Goals  Goal 1. Housing: Support diverse, affordable housing near jobs, education, and transit while preventing displacement.  Goal 2. Mobility: Provide a safe, connected, and reliable multimodal transportation system.  Goal 3. Arts & Culture: Strengthen the district as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and community life.  Goal 4. Heritage & Identity: Preserve and enhance the district’s unique identity while guiding compatible growth.  Goal 5. Economic & Social Accessibility: Ensure equitable access to essential services, amenities, and community resources.  Goal 6. Economic Development: Cultivate a balanced and resilient Central City District economy.  Goal 7. Parks, Open Space, & Sustainability: Enhance parks, open spaces, and natural systems to support climate comfort and usability.  Goal 8. Public Safety: Improve real and perceived safety across the district’s public spaces. 11 Example Goal to Action  Goal: Mobility  Provide a safe, connected, and reliable multimodal transportation system.  Example objective:  Improve multimodal connectivity between key destinations and across major corridors and barriers such as highways and large roadways.  Example related actions:  Partner with Austin Transportation and Public Works to develop a small area mobility plan for the University area that supports connectivity across the Central City District by 2028.  Partner with Austin Transportation and Public Works to develop a small area mobility plan for the South Central Waterfront area that supports connectivity across the Central City District by 2028. 12 For more information: Shanisha Johnson, PMP Principal Planner/Project Lead Shanisha.Johnson@austintexas.gov (512) 974-3458 Chris Ryerson, AICP Long-Range Planning Division Manager Chris.Ryerson@austintexas.gov (512) 978-1422 www.speakupaustin.org/centralcity 13