Issues Over Lunch – Our Future 35: Vision to Reality

The reconstruction of I-35 through central Austin presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reconnect our community with 30 acres of land-caps and stitches-above the highway. This ambitious endeavor aims to knit our city together, transforming a historic divide into a vibrant, inclusive space for all Austinites.
The Downtown Austin Alliance and the City of Austin have collaborated for years with diverse leaders and community members to craft a shared vision for the Our Future 35 Cap and Stitch Project. This visionary initiative seeks to reimagine the I-35 corridor as a space that fosters connectivity, equity, and vitality.
After years of advocacy for funding, policies, and public support, we are nearing a pivotal moment: transitioning from vision to reality.
Join us for a dynamic conversation with industry experts who will share their insights and lessons learned-good, bad, and ugly-from implementing successful cap and stitch projects in their cities. Together, we’ll explore what it takes to turn bold ideas into thriving community assets.

Speakers:
Kit Sawers, CEO of Klyde Warren Park
Rob Walters, Board Chair of Klyde Warren Park
April Allen, President & CEO of Southern Gateway Park

Moderator:
Melissa Barry, Chief Program Officer, Downtown Austin Alliance