Austin, texas

Biophilic Cities Member since 2016

Austin has a long history of working to protect environmental features, such as Barton Springs and their watershed, and supporting biodiversity within and around the city. Efforts across Austin are being made to increase coordination and collaboration within the city and through leveraging of partnerships with local non-profits and institutions. As Austinites look forward to the city that will exist in 50 years, they see: nature integrated seamlessly into the city’s legal, and planning and design process; development and redevelopment that prioritizes vegetation, ecosystem function, and the human experience; and access for all Austinites to a healthy dose of daily nature.

City Contacts:
Caitlin Admire, Environmental Program Coordinator, Office of Sustainability

PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS

• Green Infrastructure Storymap providing overview of Austin’s green infrastructure with links to resources, plans and policies

• Austin’s Comprehensive Plan, ImagineAustin, with goal of integrating nature into the city.

• CodeNEXT process underway to update Austin’s City Code to reflect a desire for more vegetation, continued protection of Austin’s watershed, and increased ecosystem function.

• Alley Flat Initiative for new sustainable and affordable housing in the city.

• The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, jointly managed by the City of Austin, Travis County, and non-profit partners, that has provided habitat for threatened local species as well as hiking trails and conservation activities for over 20 years.

• NeighborWoods free tree program that has expanded to include edible fruit and nut trees.

• Connecting Children with Nature Initiative. A collaborative partnership underway with the National League of Cities and the Children & Nature Network that aims to ensure that all children have the opportunity to play, learn, and grow in nature, from city parks to the great outdoors.

• Nature in the City: community focused, nature-based initiative

LOCAL NEWS