Our Future 35 round logo

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 the potential Cesar Chavez Street to Fourth Street cap.

A rendering shows a cap over I-35 from Cesar Chavez Street to Fourth Street. 

Event Timeline 

complete
complete
Spring 2024

May 18 Open House at Austin Community College Highland Campus

  • Early concept sketches shared 
  • More than 200 attendees

 

complete
complete
June-August 2024

Over the summer, City staff made efforts to reach the community, spread the word about Our Future 35, and enter into deep conversations through listening sessions and stakeholder workshops. 

City of Austin staff had in-person conversations with residents across the city one-on-one and in small groups. To spread the word about Our Future 35 and receive community survey input, staff visited and posted flyers at pools, recreation centers and neighborhood meetings while also tabling at community events. Engagement strategies also included digital outreach to reach large audiences. 

Survey insights

The Our Future 35 visioning survey ran from May 10 – August 2. 

  • Approximately 1,800 total responses
    • 79.5% of respondees agreed with draft vision, mission and goals of the project
    • Top amenities included recreational lawn space, pollinator gardens, food vending, event space, public art and play areas.
    • Amenity balance was the same for all cap locations: 25% buildings, 75% open space. 

Mobile stakeholder series

  • 29 total tablings in the community
  • Held stakeholder workshops and listening sessions

complete
complete
September 28, 2024

Our Future 35 Open House

  • Presented updated concepts 
  • Explained how feedback throughout the summer informed the updated concepts 
  • Shared what is next for the project
  • More than 300 attendees

planned
planned
October 2024

Public Engagement Report

planned
planned
November 21, 2024

Vision plan presentation to Austin City Council