By: Darnell Shields
Executive Director of Austin Coming Together
As we move further into 2026, we have been reflecting on both the progress Austin has made and the work still ahead. The Central Avenue Action Plan provides a clear picture of what this corridor could become. It sees Central Avenue as a main corridor connecting transit, schools, parks, business areas, and other important neighborhood spaces. It also outlines the partners and pathways for safer streets, stronger quality of life, and more investment in a community-led development. Below are a few examples of how that vision is already starting to take shape.
Cultural Anchors and Physical Spaces
One of the clearest signs of progress is the growing strength of the corridor’s physical and cultural anchors. Kehrein Center for the Arts continues to be an important gathering place for performances, events, and community connection. Other nearby investments, including the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, PCC Wellness expansion, Habitat Housing, the Green Line renovation, and Walser House.
Recent investments in public art from The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and others help the corridor feel more welcoming while celebrating local culture. These efforts reflect the plan’s focus on strengthening key assets, highlighting Austin’s culture, and making Central a place where opportunity and identity grow side by side.
Public Safety and Community Activity
The plan also makes clear that a stronger corridor depends on a safer and more inviting public realm. The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago, part of the SC2 initiative, is a key partner in that work through community violence intervention and efforts to address the root causes of violence in Chicago. Their work helps create the conditions for residents to gather, for community events like farmers markets to grow, and for investment to take hold along the corridor.
Soul City and Corridor Identity
The Soul City Corridor expansion is another strong example of how the broader vision is taking shape. Led by Austin African American Business Networking Association, whose Executive Director Malcolm Crawford, was awarded the Mildred Wiley Community Fire Award at the 2025 ACT Membership Awards, has been a crucial partner in developing this. It has been designed to bring hope and investment in local businesses, with the initiative acting as a gateway to Chicago and expanded exposure highlighting black culture, art, food and music. This plan incorporates safety through design, aiming to reduce crime along the corridor around Central Avenue.
Policy, Transit, and the Work Ahead
The plan also recognizes that progress will depend on more than physical projects alone. It will take public investment, strong partnerships, and leadership that can help move community priorities forward. With three new representatives, Shantel Franklin, Melissa Cardenas, and LaShawn Ford, stepping into districts where development is a major focal point, specifically addressing prosperity on the Westside, looking to align with investments in infrastructure and community safety, there is room for even more progress and growth in the community.
Additionally, a recent bill was passed, signed into law in December 2025, that requires the CTA to rebuild the Blue Line station at Central Avenue, which has been abandoned since 1973, as part of a $1.5 billion transit reform package that will add another viable public transit option in the community.
There are already signs of progress along Central Avenue. The work is still unfolding, but these developments reflect several of the priorities laid out in the Central Avenue Action Plan.
CTA: If you want to learn more and get involved with what is happening with Central Avenue, please reach out to Ethan Ramsay at eramsay@austincomingtogether.org
