City of Austin kicks off new Equity-Based Preservation Plan

The City of Austin’s new plan replaces a four decade-old historic preservation plan with a new look on how to equitably preserve Austin’s historic landmarks.

A view of the Austin skyline and Lady Bird Lake on a sunny day.

The new Equity-Based Preservation Plan is community-centered.

Photo by ATXtoday

The City of Austin will commemorate the kickoff of its new Equity-Based Preservation Plan, a replacement of the city’s four decade-old historic preservation plan.

The new plan is designed to be community-oriented and adapt to Austin’s rapidly changing landscape.

Among several other recommendations, the plan encourages:

  • Offering distinctions for historical sites with non-white legacies, even those that have been lost, as only 16% of Austin’s historic landmarks and districts are associated with communities of color
  • Lifting up legacy businesses that have a cultural impact
  • Creating a City Archaeologist position to oversee ground-disturbing work on public land
  • Educating historic property owners on resources related to the care and affordability of their home
  • Developing youth educational programming

Plan authors are currently accepting feedback from the public until Friday, May 31. Read the full draft and fill out their community survey.