From 2010 to 2020, residents of Austin found themselves increasingly moved by a shared sense of purpose: to reclaim power back over their neighborhood, and revitalize the communal spaces that had long been neglected. This surge of community planning and organizing reflected a growing commitment to collective action and initiatives that boosted social unity, while also addressing the long-standing issue of disinvestment.
The aspirations for change, however, could not move forward without a solid foundation.
In order to be successful, Austin organizers recognized the need for strong partnerships between local organizations and began working together on strategic resource management. These organizations, ranging from grassroots advocacy groups to established nonprofits, played a key role in uplifting the voices of residents.
Conversations began about transforming underutilized spaces, but with most owned by the City, many questioned whether community input would be taken into account.
Despite challenges, Austin residents refused to let the community be defined by the neglect and decay that had characterized the area for far too long.
Through persistence and collective community action, abandoned spaces were revived, such as:
A vacant lot on Madison Avenue was converted into a peaceful oasis by the South Austin Neighborhood Association (SANA), and now serves as an event space to bring together veterans, residents, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
After sitting unfinished inside a school at the corner of Washington and Central, an auditorium built in 1956 was finally renovated to become Austin’s premier performing arts center.
“Not only did the project drive positive community-building impact, but it also catalyzed economic growth.” – said Ed Siderwicz, Catalyst Schools Co-Founder, about the Kehrein Center for the Arts.
These are just two examples of community-led efforts that prove a combination of grassroots organizing, strategic partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to reclaiming community assets can help lead to a more vibrant Austin.
The community renaissance continued in 2018 with Austin’s first-ever quality-of-life plan and the initiatives that grew from it, including the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, a project to repurpose the former Emmet Elementary School into a central hub for on-site job training and complimentary services.