OVERVIEW:
Our Future 35 is a community-centered initiative to create public spaces along the I-35 corridor in Central Austin and connect East and West Austin.
Because the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT)’s I-35 Capital Express Central project will lower the highway’s main lanes between Lady Bird Lake and Airport Boulevard, the City of Austin has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to construct “caps” and “stitches” over the highway, reconnecting the two sides of I-35 and creating new public space.
Combined, these opportunities could create up to 30 acres of new public space in the middle of Central Austin.
A rendering shows a cap over I-35 from Cesar Chavez Street to Fourth Street.
VISION STATEMENT:
The community helped craft the following Vision Statement and Goals for the Our Future 35 program. The summer public engagement found that 79.5% of survey respondees agreed with the draft vision, mission and goals of the project:
New shared public spaces over I-35 are inclusive and sustainable; support economic opportunity and equity; celebrate heritage and cultural narratives; support community health and restorative natural spaces; encourage environmental stewardship; and promote safe and comfortable access to all citizens.
EQUITY & INCLUSIVITY
Engage community members who have been impacted by and excluded from past infrastructure decisions, and ensure that new amenities are dynamic, sustainable, and welcome communities of all races and identities
ECONOMIC AFFORDABILITY & VITALITY
Foster design elements and activations for small and local businesses and mitigate displacement and adverse cost of living impacts of the project on surrounding neighborhoods and communities of color.
COMMUNITY & CULTURAL NARRATIVES
Celebrate the historical and cultural fabric of past and present communities surrounding I-35 while recognizing the city and highway’s histories of fracture and collect and amplify the narratives and histories of community members.
HEALTH & HUMAN NATURE
Create spaces that enhance the quality of life and well-being of users, encourage active transportation, employ native and adapted resilient and restorative landscapes, and promote connection to nature.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Advance the Austin community’s commitment to environmental stewardship, recognize broader climate action imperatives, and build the capacity to successfully maintain and adapt these spaces.
SAFETY & CONNECTIVITY
Connect community members to jobs, services, and each other and promote safe and comfortable hubs that provide access to, from, and across I-35, and foster modes of travel that welcome and support all ages and abilities.