Hello Neighbors,

Spring is a time for new beginnings, and that feels especially relevant this year.

Note: today’s meeting will again take place at the new Dwell Coworking, 1201 E. Cesar Chavez.

Please read below for the full agenda and updates.

In the March update, I shared how a century of external forces, from the 1928 City Plan to the construction of I-35, have fragmented our neighborhood. Despite the best intentions and efforts over the past 25 years of growth, significant gaps remain to ensure a neighborhood like ours is walkable, safe, and vibrant.

The result is something we all feel. A dynamic neighborhood with rich history, culture, and immense opportunity but without clear alignment, consistent representation, or a voice.

This month, I want to focus less on how we got here and more on what it will take to move forward.

The underlying issue is not a lack of effort or care, it’s a lack of structure and resources. Today, there is no single entity responsible for:

Our volunteer organization plays an important role, but it was never designed to do all of this work. This gap is becoming more visible as the pace of change accelerates.

What we’re exploring now is how to build something that can operate at the level this moment requires, and do so sustainably over time.

We are actively exploring the formation of a nonprofit organization focused on the East Cesar Chavez and Holly Neighborhoods, from I-35 to Pleasant Valley.

Whether we call it the "East Austin Alliance" or another name we choose together, this organization would focus on:

This would not replace existing neighborhood structures. It would complement and support them by adding capacity where it’s currently missing.

Our neighborhood is often treated as an extension of somewhere else. Sometimes, it’s considered part of Downtown. Other times, especially among City policies, it’s lumped into a broader “East Austin” that’s inclusive of the entire city east of I-35. This ambiguity has real consequences.

We are taking early steps to define this neighborhood on its own terms. This starts with reunifying the Holly and ECC Neighborhoods under a single entity.

There is also an opportunity to rename East Cesar Chavez Street, and the neighborhood itself.

The next opportunity is to pursue a state-level designation for a Cultural District along East Cesar Chavez, from I-35 to Pleasant Valley.

This will help create a foundation for:

I’ve heard from many of you after the last newsletter. Your feedback confirmed what many people feel. There’s a widespread mix of frustration, exhaustion, exasperation, and sometimes apathy because many folks are tired of "chipping away" at problems and ready for systemic change. One neighbor put it best:

Well said. We don’t need a long list of goals, just alignment around a few that matter.

For any of this to work, it can’t rely on a small group of people. We need broader participation from:

Not everyone needs to be involved in everything, but we do need more people engaged in shaping the direction of the neighborhood.

If you’re reading this and any wondering if/how you can help, we’re currently working on the following:

We are also seeking feedback on this plan. This is our chance to reclaim our narrative and build a structure that outlasts any single contributor or initiative. So if you have any feedback, please share it!

This will take time to get right. Over the coming weeks and months, you’ll see more concrete steps in a few areas:

As part of our effort to visit different parts of the neighborhood, this month’s meeting will be hosted by Dwell Coworking ahead of their grand opening on April 23. See below for parking:

CapMetro is proposing an extension of Route 2 along Springdale Road, improving connectivity across East Austin and to downtown.

Key changes include:

View the map here.

Share feedback here.

The City is planning safety and mobility upgrades between Pleasant Valley and Shady Lane, including:

To provide feedback, take the survey here.

Click here to register (free)

Agenda

4:30 - 5:30 PM: Tours, Snacks, Libations.
5:30 - 6:00 PM Austin Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting + CoFounders' Welcome
6:00 - 6:15 PM Kimberly Culbertson
6:15 - 7:00 PM More Tours, Snacks, Libations.

Neighbors have been working to transform the alley between Willow and Cesar Chavez through cleanups, design workshops, and community building.

Over the past year they have hosted design charettes in partnership with AIA Austin, multiple clean up projects and built garden beds in collaboration with Rotary Club of Austin. We want voices and participation from more neighbors, especially those who live directly on the alley.

Take this opportunity to learn more about the project, meet the leaders and fellow neighbors. This is the first step to create a working group to shape the future direction for the project.

This meeting is open to all:
WHEN: April 28, 6:30 PM
WHERE: Something Cool Studios, 1717 E Cesar Chavez St

WHEN: Thursday, April 30th, 5–7 PM
WHERE: Kalimotxo, 1813 E. 6th Street

Join us as at the 10th Annual STEAMFest at Martin Middle School on Saturday, May 16th from 10 am to 2 pm! STEAMFest showcases our Eastside schools with STEM demonstrations, arts displays, performances, family resources, summer camp registrations, and fun for all.

 WHEN: May 12 | 6:30-7:30 PM
WHERE: 📍 Mendez Recreation Center at Metz Park

We’ve invited speakers from the Austin Area Firewise Alliance to discuss Fire protection for your home and yard. We’ll also provide updates on upcoming Holly NA events and recent development in the neighborhood.

Interested in learning more about a particular neighborhood topic? Or know a great speaker who would be a good fit for one of our meetings? Let us know! Holly NA Meeting Speaker Ideas.

WHEN: Registration in person, by phone or online now through May 9th. Practice begins week of June 28th.  Also looking for volunteer coaches.

WHERE: Cantu-Pan Am Rec Center

Eric Pace, Chair
ECCNA/NPCT