District Development Tools
As Austin continues to grow as a vibrant center of economic and cultural activity, the development and sustainability of Economic and Cultural Districts have become key priorities. These districts are vital in fostering local economies, promoting cultural expression, and nurturing community identity. To support their growth and vitality, the City of Austin offers a range of programs and resources:
- Ombudsman Support
This program provides a liaison between Economic and Cultural Districts and city processes, procedures, programs, and resources. The Economic Development Department’s staff ensures that services are coordinated across city departments to meet the goals of each district. - District Management Entity Toolkit *COMING SOON*
This toolkit offers resources to community members interested in organizing district management organizations. It’s designed to support the self-management of Economic and Cultural Districts. - Training/Organizational Resources
Recognized Economic and Cultural District management entities have access to organizational training and legal resources to help them operate effectively. - Identity District Agreement
Recognized Economic and Cultural Districts can benefit from specialized, negotiated reduced fees for district identity projects. These projects, implemented in partnership with the Economic Development Department and the Transportation and Public Works Department, include street banners and street signs. - Cultural Asset Mapping Project
This initiative helps communities engage in cultural planning and gain a deeper understanding of Austin’s creative ecosystems. The project supports efforts to document and strengthen the cultural landscape across the city. - Equitable Cultural District Funding Model *Expected Spring 2025*
This funding model provides Cultural Districts with equitable financial support to promote accessibility, address disparities, support diversity and inclusion, mobilize marginalized communities, ensure sustainability, foster collaboration, and promote economic development. This investment helps districts enrich the cultural fabric of Austin and improve social well-being for all residents. - Public Improvement District (PID)
Through self-imposed tax assessments on property owners, PIDs can fund infrastructure improvements and economic development initiatives within a designated area. These targeted investments enhance the district’s economic vitality, attractiveness, and competitiveness, leading to growth, job creation, and community prosperity. Policy Reference: Resolution No. 20200220-15 - Historic District Designation
In collaboration with the Historic Preservation Office, this designation supports the preservation of Austin’s historic buildings, structures, and sites. Historic districts also raise awareness of the city’s cultural and architectural heritage. Policy Reference: Historic Districts in Austin: Application Guide - Creative District Overlay
This overlay offers voluntary development bonuses for providing affordable commercial space in new developments or contributing to a fund for preserving creative space within a creative district. - Tax Increment Financing/Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIF/TIRZ)
TIF is a financing tool that local governments use to pay for improvements aimed at attracting private investment to underdeveloped areas. Instead of imposing a new tax, TIF redirects a portion of property taxes from a designated TIRZ to fund improvements in that zone. - Parking Transportation Management District/Parking Benefit District
This program targets areas with a mix of retail, entertainment, commercial, medical, educational, civic, and residential uses where traffic flow requires enhanced management. Parking meters in these districts facilitate traffic flow and contribute to the district's development. Policy Reference: Ordinance No. 20141211-216 - Special Revenue Funds
These funds, established through specific impact fees, support place-based economic development initiatives within Economic and Cultural Districts. - Wayfinding Signage
This signage system helps visitors navigate Austin’s historic, heritage, and cultural districts. The Heritage Wayfinding Manual will guide efforts to orient, educate, and raise awareness of Austin's diverse places, histories, cultures, and experiences.