It looks like the elected officials who have been pushing CodeNEXT have finally decided to listen to the community and put an end to the flawed redevelopment plan, at least for now.

Austinites owe a debt of thanks to the Save Our Springs Alliance, the Austin NAACP, PODER, La Raza Roundtable, the Austin Justice Coalition, the Austin Neighborhoods Council, and the other groups that came together from across the city to fight for the rights of local residents and against the influence of special interests. Area residents should also recognize the valiant work of the volunteer members of our Zoning and Platting Commission, a group that has long been calling for an end to CodeNEXT and the forging of a new path forward.

This November’s ballot proposition on comprehensive revisions to our land code remains crucial. Mayor Adler has called for a “new process” to take CodeNEXT’s place, and Councilmember Ann Kitchen has called for a “reboot” of the plan. If we aren’t vigilant, CodeNEXT’s replacement could wind up being just as destructive and divisive as the original.

November’s ballot proposition is a solution to that problem. If local voters pass it, they will be given something they didn’t have with CodeNEXT or any other comprehensive change to our land-development rules: a choice. They will have the power to approve or disapprove any plan like CodeNEXT at the ballot box.

The fight must therefore go on. Community Not Commodity and its allies will campaign for the passage of this November’s ballot proposition. We will make sure that the voices of displaced Austinites and those of residents threatened by displacement are heard and heeded. Above all, we will work diligently to persuade our new city manager to follow the new path forward that we have been recommending for months.

Want to help us? The first step is to follow us on Facebook or check out our website. Then make sure to vote FOR this November’s ballot proposition on comprehensive land code revisions. Finally, please consider donating to our effort.

Together we can build an Austin for everyone!