Partnering to shape our built environment.
The Downtown Vision calls for a growing and ever-evolving tapestry of complete, vibrant and walkable neighborhoods and districts that express Austin’s authentic character. As downtown’s steward, not only are we at the center of all active district planning projects, but we also ensure all parties have a holistic view of how the districts will work together to enhance downtown’s vitality. We also develop and champion programs that balance the development of downtown’s built environment and infrastructure with the preservation of existing cultural assets.
District Planning & Support
Mexican American Heritage Corridor
We partner with Mexic-Arte Museum and the City of Austin in designating the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor as a state-recognized Cultural Heritage District. This designation will unlock funding to support creative and cultural programming along the corridor and within downtown. We also partner with the museum on their efforts to continue uplifting the 5th Street Corridor into a beautiful, educational destination for the community.
Learn More⟶Cypress & Shoal Public Space Strategy
We are partnering with the Shoal Creek Conservancy to enhance the Cypress & Shoal gateway—a key connection between the heart of downtown and the Seaholm District.
Learn More⟶Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative
In partnership with the City of Austin, we helped champion the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative, a plan to take Congress Avenue to the next level through urban and human-centric design. We are continuing to work with stakeholders to advance the deliverables outlined in the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative Vision Plan.
Learn More⟶Innovation District
Austin’s Innovation District capitalizes on the talent and vitality of our city to create a one-of-a-kind neighborhood. The Downtown Austin Alliance is proud to be one of the founding entities of the Innovation District—a place where innovators, incubators and businesses connect and discover new ways to build inclusive economic growth.
Red River Cultural District
The Red River Cultural District is home to Austin’s largest concentration of live music venues, and is critical to downtown’s vitality and our city’s draw as the Live Music Capital of the World. In support and partnership with the district, we are exploring solutions for venue preservation, synergies with East Sixth Street redevelopment, construction impact mitigation and affordable parking for people working, performing, and visiting the district.
Learn More⟶Palm District
The Palm District Plan is a holistic framework for the future of downtown’s eastern edge, tying together the fully realized Waterloo Greenway, Rainey Street connectivity, a preserved Palm School and Red River Cultural District, enhanced Fifth Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor, the growing Innovation District, expanded Austin Convention Center and Brush Square renovation. After a decade of advocacy and public engagement, we partnered with the Austin Housing and Planning Department to establish a plan for the district.
Learn More⟶Research Highlight: Tree Canopy
Downtown’s trees provide vital shade, reduce heat islands and hotspots, increase appeal, maintain balanced ecosystems and habitats, improve air quality, and support better physical and mental health. After researching downtown’s tree canopy coverage, we are working with partners to enhance the existing canopy and prioritize street trees in future infrastructure projects.
Mobility Highlight: Subsidized Parking
Many downtown employees, especially those in the service and entertainment industries, face barriers to finding affordable parking downtown. Using input gathered from a diverse array of downtown stakeholders, we developed recommendations to expand the city’s current Affordable Parking Program and are working with partners to provide creative solutions to overcoming parking barriers.