Capstone: A Vision for Austin

Synopsis
After a full day of ideas, experts in various aspects of public space implementation and advocacy evaluate potential strategies for Austin. The panel looks ahead to initiatives like the Waller Creek redesign, the Downtown Plan, the Waterfront Overlay, and the Comprehensive Plan to seek opportunities for new ideas and cutting-edge strategies.

Dave Anderson Waller Creek Citizen's Advisory Committee
Bobby Garza Office of Council Member Mike Martinez and Live Music Task Force
Sara Krause Urban Transportation Commission
Kathy Tovo Families and Children Task Force
Alex Tynberg Principal, Tynberg LLC, Policy Chair CNU-Central Texas
Steve Zettner Sustainable Neighborhoods of North Central Austin
Moderator: Charlie McCabe, Austin Parks Foundation

Big Ideas
-Austin seems to have the will, and the desire to create great public spaces, but the framework is still very young (especially when compared to cities like Houston and Chicago.) As a city, we need to help the framework mature from increasing private and public funding systems, to ensuring we are building a vibrant, urban city.
-Any plans for public space should be bold and fit the people who are going to use it. As citizens and planners we should not be afraid to peruse this option.
-Most importantly, the dialogue should continue. The only way we can imporve the public spaces in Austin is to continut to talk about what it is that we want and how we can work to build a world class collection of public spaces.