Advocacy
Built Environment
Bringing partners together to address pressing challenges.
We continually evaluate how future developments, projects and growth will affect downtown’s built environment over the coming decades. We bring stakeholders, policymakers and property owners together to collaborate on solutions to our most pressing challenges.
See Our Full Advocacy Agenda⟶Our Built Environment Advocacy Priorities
Land Development Code
Through our working relationship with the Austin City Council, we continually monitor potential amendments to the Land Development Code that would affect downtown development. We engage the community to seek input on any proposed changes and advocate for solutions that support positive growth downtown.
Downtown Density Bonus
Established in 2014, the Downtown Density Bonus Program allows developers to build bigger and taller buildings in exchange for providing community benefits. This program has helped double downtown’s residential population and increase density by over 50%, with developers in turn delivering enhanced streetscapes and elevated urban design, along with funding for affordable housing. We are advocating for the City Council’s Land Development Code amendment to update the Downtown Density Program to guide development downtown for the next decade. Some of the most significant potential changes to the program include increasing base Floor Area Ratio (FAR) on downtown properties and removing caps on how much FAR and height can be achieved on a project.
Historic Preservation & Venue Preservation
We support a downtown that grows with a delightful and eclectic mix of modern investment and beautiful public spaces while preserving historical character.