Austin Equity-Based Preservation Plan

On November 21, 2024, the Austin City Council adopted the Equity-Based Preservation Plan, a comprehensive strategy aimed at preserving the city’s historic buildings and cultural heritage with a focus on diversity and inclusion. This plan replaces the previous preservation framework established in 1981 and introduces 14 goals along with 107 recommendations designed to honor Austin’s multifaceted history, protect cultural assets such as legacy businesses and murals, and utilize preservation tools to prevent displacement and promote environmental sustainability. The plan emphasizes broader community participation, offering guidance on identifying and safeguarding significant sites, supporting stewards of historic properties, streamlining review processes, and enhancing the protection of historic resources.

Analysis

Does the policy solution re-distribute power from mainstream institutions to impacted Black communities?

The Equity-Based Preservation Plan aims to re-distribute power by actively engaging diverse communities, including Black residents, in the preservation process. By prioritizing the protection of culturally significant sites in historically marginalized neighborhoods, the plan seeks to empower these communities to have a more influential role in decisions affecting their heritage and environment.

Does this policy provide more decision-making power at the hands of Black communities?

Yes, the plan encourages inclusive participation, ensuring that Black communities have a voice in identifying and preserving sites of cultural and historical importance. This approach fosters a collaborative environment where decision-making power is shared, allowing for a more equitable representation of Austin’s diverse history.

Does the policy undermine extractive economies like capitalism and restore community power around a local and regenerative economy/primary production?

By focusing on the preservation of local heritage and supporting legacy businesses, the plan challenges extractive economic practices that often lead to cultural erasure and displacement. It promotes a regenerative approach by investing in local economies, encouraging sustainable tourism, and preserving the unique character of neighborhoods, thereby restoring community power and fostering economic resilience.

Does the policy repair past harm and uphold civil and human rights, health, and environmental protections?

The plan acknowledges Austin’s complex history and seeks to address past inequities by preserving sites that reflect the city’s diverse cultural narratives. By preventing displacement and promoting environmental sustainability, it upholds civil and human rights, contributes to the health and well-being of residents, and ensures that environmental protections are equitably applied across all communities.

Analysis developed by Natalie Rivas