Two coalitions prepare for CodeNEXT debut

Just days ahead of the official debut of the CodeNEXT draft, the contours of what promises to be a protracted political battle are taking shape. On Wednesday, a new coalition of familiar groups including the Austin Neighborhoods Council, the Save Our Springs Alliance, and People Organized in Defense of Mother Earth and Her Resources held a press conference at City Hall to highlight the priorities they want to see during the ongoing Land Development Code rewrite. “CodeNEXT will affect every single person in Austin in some way,” SOS’s Lauren Ice said. “We formed this coalition to provide a tool for folks to learn, engage and provide input on certain issues that we all care deeply about – our environment, neighborhoods and equity.” Later on Wednesday, Evolve Austin, a group of self-described “Imagine Austin champions” featuring among its ranks Austin Habitat for Humanity, Austin Music People and Environment Texas, made its own moves. The group released a letter it had sent to City Council members that includes eight questions to consider during the long process ahead. First among them: “How will the code promote a compact and connected city, as required by (Imagine Austin’s) Priority Program 8?” The CodeNEXT draft is set to drop on Jan. 30 and will have a ceremonial debut at the Palmer Events Center on Feb. 1. Giddyup.