On Point | Podcast The transformation of Austin, Texas
May 1, 2025
Join Joshua Long, a Professor of Environmental Studies and author, and Susanna Almanza, Director of the advocacy group PODER, as they dissect the seismic cultural shift in Austin, Texas. They explore how tech investment has altered the city's artistic landscape, reflecting on nostalgia for its laid-back roots. Together, they confront the harsh realities of gentrification in East Austin, where long-time residents grapple with displacement and rising costs. Their insights reveal the complex interplay of community, culture, and economic transformation.
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Austin's Waves of Identity
- Austin's identity has evolved through waves from the 60s to present, with "Old Austin" representing a countercultural, tolerant era.
- Nostalgia for old Austin reflects varied memories tied to different decades and cultural shifts in music, art, and lifestyle.
East Austin's Historic Community Roots
- East Austin was intentionally designated for people of color in a 1928 city plan, creating a close-knit, family-oriented, working-class community.
- Despite poor infrastructure, it thrived with local businesses and strong social bonds until increased traffic and segregation imposed hardships.
Zoning as a Tool for Displacement
- Gentrification in East Austin is driven by zoning changes turning residential areas into commercial use, displacing vulnerable low-income communities.
- Zoning has historically been used as a tool for land grabs, reflecting systemic racism entwined with economic motives.