The Austin City Council approved a resolution in December of 2017, directing the City Manager to work with community members to create a new vision for the city-owned property located at IH-35 and St. Johns Avenue, located within the St. Johns neighborhood. The Economic Development Department has issued an RFP for a “due diligence and repositioning strategy” for this site and another city-owned property in town which is currently ongoing. While that study will develop a strategy for the St. Johns site, it is important that issues of gentrification, residential displacement, and housing affordability be addressed and that economically and racially just options be provided for the neighborhood. St. Johns property provides a significant opportunity to leverage a city-owned asset to advance public goals. This proposed study will assist City Council and staff in assessing options that willmeet the City of Austin's longer-term social and economic goals.
Statement of Inquiry: How can innovative housing, economic, and equity models be applied to City-owned property?
Team Members: Dean Almy, Elizabeth Mueller, Jake Wegmann, Martin Haettasch, Allan Shearer, Charlton Lewis, Sarah Wu, Ji Ye Song, Seonhye Sin, and Paul Books.
The research team knows there are many thoughts and opinions regarding the St. Johns neighborhood. Please click here to contribute your comments