Texas Chapter of American Planning Association Awards Gold to Equity-Based Preservation Plan

The American Planning Association Texas Chapter has recognized the City of Austin’s Equity-Based Preservation Plan as a Gold Winner in the Historic Preservation category of its 2026 Texas Planning Awards.

Led by Austin Planning’s Historic Preservation Office, the Plan is a community-authored roadmap that harnesses historic preservation to support a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable Austin.

“We’re grateful for this recognition and we’re proud to share it with the many community members who shaped the Plan,” said Austin Planning Director Andrea Bates. “More than 2,500 Austinites contributed to its creation through public meetings, surveys, and events, alongside the Historic Landmark Commission and the Preservation Plan Working Group. This award reflects our collective commitment to Austin’s heritage as we plan for the future.”

The Plan’s 14 goals and 107 recommendations aim to safeguard cultural assets like legacy businesses and murals, use preservation tools to slow displacement of longtime residents, and promote environmental sustainability. It provides guidance on identifying and preserving important places, supporting property owners, streamlining regulatory review, and strengthening protections for historic resources.

The APA Texas Planning Awards Program recognizes outstanding planning achievements and leadership across the state. Nominees were evaluated on originality and innovation, community engagement, implementation and effectiveness, quality, and promotion of planning. The Equity-Based Preservation Plan joins Austin Watershed Protection’s Rain to River Plan and The Guide to Activate Undeveloped Parks of Austin as 2026 City of Austin Gold Winners.

To read more about the 2026 Texas Planning Award categories and recipients, visit APA-Texas' website.

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