Original Goals of the Project
The Central Avenue Corridor Plan Fellowship set out with three main objectives:
1. Conduct Comprehensive Outreach Initiatives: The project aimed to actively involve residents, businesses, and organizations within the Austin neighborhood through a variety of community engagement activities. These included thematic walkabouts, participation in local events, surveys, and interactive workshops to gather input on the needs and aspirations of the community.
2. Develop Representative and Responsive Recommendations The fellowship sought to ensure that the recommendations for the Central Avenue Corridor Plan were reflective of the community’s voices. These recommendations focused on public realm improvements, safety enhancements, and economic development strategies, all designed to improve the quality of life in Austin.
3. Align Efforts with Principles of Equity, Inclusivity, and Sustainability: The project aimed to align all efforts with the principles of equity, inclusivity, and sustainability, in line with the SDGs. This meant focusing on initiatives that would promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and create a sustainable urban environment.

Progress and Achievements
Throughout the summer and fall of 2023, significant progress was made toward these goals. The CMAP team, alongside community partners, engaged Austin residents through various events such as the Aspire Center Celebrations, the Austin Farmer’s Market, and the Territory Block Party. These events featured surveys, mapping activities, and interactive community walks, all designed to gather input on the community's needs.

Key activities included:
- Community Engagement Events: The project successfully engaged a diverse cross-section of the Austin community. The CMAP team attended multiple events such as the Aspire Center Celebrations, Austin Farmer’s Market, and Territory Block Party. At these events, we engaged residents through surveys, mapping activities, and interactive community walks. The feedback collected from these events was invaluable in shaping the recommendations for the Central Avenue Corridor Plan. For example, residents highlighted the need for improved safety measures, beautification efforts, and better lighting along Central Avenue. These insights directly informed the proposed interventions in the plan.
Barnes Comments: The walking tours were super helpful too. Bringing community members on a tour where they could talk to us about their ideas was a super creative way to think about solutions in a more tangible way.
- Survey Results: Surveys conducted during these events highlighted key concerns such as the most difficult intersections to cross (e.g., Lake & Central) and the potential usage of the Blue Line if reopened. The community expressed a strong desire for improved lighting, green spaces, and public art to enhance safety and celebrate local identity.
- Development of Targeted Recommendations: Based on community input, the project team developed a series of targeted recommendations that addressed the community’s needs. These included the installation of streetlights, the creation of public art, creating youth-designed spaces, enhancement of green spaces, and the development of a vibrant commercial node at Central and Lake. The plan also proposed improvements to pedestrian safety and comfort, such as traffic calming measures and the installation of protected left-turn signals at busy intersections. The goal is to amplify Austin’s historic sites, cultural heritage, and neighborhood identity while enhancing pedestrian safety and connectivity.
Barnes Comments: It’s important to mention that these recommendations were also developed in partnership with ULI. We were able to edit their recommendations because of the community engagement we did!

These achievements reflect the project’s alignment with the SDGs, particularly SDG 11, which emphasizes the creation of sustainable cities and communities. The plan proposed initiatives to support local businesses, improve public safety, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents, all while promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. The recommendations aim to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient urban environment in Austin, addressing both social equity and environmental sustainability.

Challenges Faced
Despite these achievements, several challenges emerged during the implementation of the fellowship project. One of the primary challenges was ensuring comprehensive community engagement. Feedback from ACT's subcommittee emphasized the importance of involving a broader spectrum of community members in the planning process. However, resource constraints and logistical limitations made it difficult to reach as many individuals as desired. Addressing the challenge of comprehensive community engagement required innovative approaches and ongoing dialogue with community partners. The team worked to identify alternative engagement methods, such as virtual meetings and targeted outreach to underrepresented groups, to ensure that the recommendations were inclusive and representative of the entire community.

Barnes Comments: I would add that an ongoing challenge for planners is community distrust. CMAP isn’t exactly government however, Austin, like other communities, has been burned so many times. I recall that when we had a meeting with community members who are on the ACT steering committees/groups, we were still accused of not reaching as many people as possible. I think we did a great job as you mentioned below, of creatively engaging the community!
Barnes Comments: Making information accessible was key as well. Our zine, your maps, and our engagement site made information about this project and the recommendations accessible.

Impact on Social Equity and Sustainability
Despite the challenges faced, the Central Avenue Corridor Plan Fellowship made significant strides in advancing social equity and sustainability in the Austin neighborhood. The project’s focus on inclusive community engagement ensured that the voices of historically marginalized groups were heard and integrated into the planning process.

The project’s alignment with the SDGs ensured that sustainability was a central focus of the recommendations. By promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and creating a more sustainable urban environment, the Central Avenue Corridor Plan aims to foster long-term positive change in Austin. Initiatives such as the installation of energy-efficient streetlights, the creation of green spaces, and the support of local businesses all contribute to the neighborhood's sustainability.

Future Work and Recommendations
Moving forward, there is potential for continued work on the Central Avenue Corridor Plan by DePaul students or other stakeholders. DePaul students could contribute to the project by taking it on as part of their independent study courses. They could assist in refining the plan's recommendations through a sustainability lens, ensuring that they align with the SDGs. Specifically, students could support ACT in identifying implementation partners and developing strategies to attract stakeholders committed to the plan's successful execution.

Future efforts could focus on:
- Expanding Outreach: Develop new strategies to reach underrepresented groups in the community, such as targeted outreach to seniors, non-English speakers, and low-income residents. Expanding digital outreach and hosting more accessible community meetings could help engage these populations more effectively.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a system for monitoring the implementation of the recommendations and evaluating their impact on the community over time. This will ensure that the plan remains responsive to the community’s evolving needs and aligns with sustainability goals.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Consider further integrating sustainability into the project by exploring opportunities for green infrastructure, renewable energy, and climate resilience in the Central Avenue Corridor. For example, adding solar-powered streetlights and rain gardens could enhance both environmental sustainability and community resilience.
-Partnerships and Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies to support the plan's implementation and ensure its long-term success. Collaborating with sustainability-focused organizations can bring additional resources and expertise to the project.