District 6 - Mackenzie Kelly
What is your favorite historic place in your district and why?
One of my favorite historic places in District 6 is the Jolly Cemetery. This burial ground offers a glimpse into the lives of some of the earliest settlers in the area, particularly the families who helped shape the community that we know today as Jollyville. Established by John Grey Jolly and his wife, the cemetery holds a lot of history, with the earliest grave dating back to 1872. It's a quiet and reflective spot that connects us to the pioneer spirit and legacy of those who built this region from the ground up. Having been born and raised in Jollyville, before we even had single-member districts, this place holds special meaning to me. As someone who's been a long-time volunteer with the Jollyville Fire Department, this cemetery serves as a reminder of our community's deep roots and resilience. It's a nice reflection of the close-knit nature of Jollyville and the importance of remembering where we came from.
The City of Austin will soon adopt a new Equity-Based Historic Preservation Plan to replace Austin’s 1981 historic preservation plan with an inclusive, community-oriented process and outcome. Its proposed policies, programs, and tools will help the City Council, Historic Landmark Commission, City departments, and partners address challenges and support thriving communities. The plan is set to be adopted by Council later this year, and its future success will rely on buy-in from Council to execute its recommendations.
If elected, would you support the plan’s recommended policy changes and budget allocations to ensure that the future of preservation in Austin is proactive, collaborative, and accessible to all? Please explain.
YES
While I support the importance of preserving Austin's rich history, I believe that any new plan, including the Equity-Based Historic Preservation Plan, should be approached with careful consideration of how it impacts all communities. If elected, I would be open to supporting recommended policy changes and budget allocations, but only after ensuring that they are aligned with the specific needs and desires of my District 6 constituents.
As a representative of a district with its own unique history, like Jollyville, I would advocate for proactive and collaborative preservation efforts that reflect the diverse narratives across all of Austin, while making sure that the plan does not impose unnecessary burdens on homeowners or neighborhoods. Affordability and responsible growth are ongoing concerns in our district, and it’s essential that we balance historic preservation with the need to create an accessible and thriving future for all.
Ultimately, my support would depend on how well the plan protects the character of our existing communities and whether it allocates resources fairly across the city. Preservation should foster a sense of community and inclusion, but we must also ensure it doesn’t inadvertently contribute to displacement or overreach. My priority would be to make sure the plan works for District 6 and the city as a whole.
Research shows that older, smaller homes are more naturally affordable for renters and owners than new construction. Last year, Preservation Austin, Austin Infill Coalition, and AIA Austin partnered on a new Preservation Bonus that was adopted as a part of HOME Phase 1. The bonus exchanges increased development entitlements for preserving single-family homes built before 1961. Research conducted by Cedar shows that expanding entitlements for Preservation Bonus projects to include increased impervious cover and an additional developable unit can generate 10x as many housing units as the current bonus allows (see report HERE).
If elected, would you support increasing entitlements for Preservation Bonus projects to maximize the effectiveness of the bonus, preserve existing housing, and support sustainability and affordability goals? Why or why not?
YES
Historic resource surveys inventory historic neighborhoods and make recommendations for buildings and districts that are eligible for historic designation. Accurate and up-to-date surveys enable City staff, elected officials, and citizens alike to make decisions about which properties and neighborhoods ought to be protected. For example, in 2020 the Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross neighborhood successfully became Austin's first local historic district dedicated exclusively to Black heritage. This effort relied on data gathered in the 2016 East Austin Historic Resource Survey to define the district's boundaries and identify contributing structures. Without the 2016 survey, this historic district may not have been possible.
If elected, will you support continued funding for surveys and the City’s preservation office? Will you honor the findings of these surveys by supporting historic zoning for individual landmarks and districts? Please explain your answer.
YES
When re-elected, I would support continued funding for historic resource surveys, as they are vital tools for identifying and protecting the cultural heritage of our city. Accurate, up-to-date surveys provide critical data that help us make informed decisions about which buildings and neighborhoods should be preserved. However, I believe that any historic zoning and preservation efforts must be balanced with the interests of property owners and the unique character of each district.
In District 6, we value our neighborhoods' individuality and history, but we also prioritize maintaining a level of flexibility and respect for homeowners' rights. While I appreciate the importance of preserving Austin's diverse history, I would approach historic zoning on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that the needs and desires of the local community are carefully considered. I would also seek to ensure that preservation efforts do not unintentionally contribute to affordability issues or limit growth in a way that harms residents.
Overall, I support using data from surveys to inform decisions about preservation but would work to ensure that these decisions are fair, equitable, and reflect the values of all constituents, especially those in my district.
We know based on our research that between 2010 and the end of 2021, finalized residential demolitions per year rose from 271 to 622, an increase of 130%. These older buildings are often constructed with more sustainable materials than new buildings and provide more affordable housing than new construction. Rehabilitation rather than demolition of existing structures also reduces waste and is more sustainable. In 2020, construction and demolition debris accounted for approximately 25% of all waste produced in Travis County's three municipal solid waste landfills. Cities such as San Antonio and Portland have adopted deconstruction ordinances to slow demolitions and divert landfill waste.
If elected, would you support policy solutions that encourage sustainable building practices via preservation? How do you think our community can embrace this as part of our efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable Austin?
YES
When re-elected, I would be open to supporting policy solutions that encourage sustainable building practices, including preservation and rehabilitation of existing structures. I recognize that older buildings often offer more affordable housing options and are constructed with durable, sustainable materials, which aligns with our broader goals of reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Preserving and rehabilitating existing structures can play an important role in reducing demolition debris and maintaining the character of our neighborhoods.
That being said, it is essential to ensure that such policies balance environmental sustainability with the need for growth and development, particularly in a city like Austin that is facing an affordability crisis. Policies that promote rehabilitation and deconstruction over demolition should be structured in a way that does not add undue burdens or costs on property owners, especially in communities where affordability is a key concern.
Many Texas cities establish historic districts to protect their heritage by preventing demolitions and ensuring new construction is compatible with surrounding historic buildings. Dallas has 21 districts, Houston has 19, and San Antonio has 27, while Austin has only 8. The creation of new historic districts was made more difficult following the adoption of HB1474 by the Texas State Legislature in 2021, which requires a supermajority of Council to vote in favor of a local historic district if even one owner in the district objects.
Do you support the establishment of more Local Historic Districts to protect Austin’s historic neighborhoods? Why or why not?
YES
I believe that the establishment of more Local Historic Districts in Austin should be approached with care and consideration of both the city's heritage and the needs of its current residents. Preserving Austin's historic neighborhoods is important for maintaining the character of the city, and historic districts can be an effective tool in preventing demolitions and ensuring that new construction is compatible with the existing architectural landscape.
However, I also believe in respecting property owners' rights, and the supermajority requirement in HB1474 reflects the need to balance historic preservation with individual property rights. If a community supports the creation of a local historic district and the benefits it brings—such as preserving cultural and historical significance—I would be in favor of it. But it’s also essential that any decision to establish a district is made with ample community input and reflects the values and desires of the neighborhood.
Ultimately, I support the thoughtful expansion of Local Historic Districts where appropriate, ensuring that the process is inclusive, transparent, and fair to both residents and property owners. This approach allows us to protect Austin's historic legacy while addressing the needs of a growing and evolving city.
In 2023 City Council officially proclaimed October as Legacy Business Month in honor of Preservation Austin’s inaugural Legacy Business Month passport program, which encourages Austinites to support participating businesses and broadly promotes their heritage. The city’s explosive growth has made protections and financial support for legacy businesses more important than ever. City governments in San Francisco and San Antonio have adopted ground-breaking legacy business programs to protect and support their cities’ legacy businesses through designation, education, and directly supporting businesses with financial resources.
If elected, would you support creating a similar program for the City of Austin? Why or why not?
YES
When re-elected, I would support creating a legacy business program for the City of Austin. Austin’s rapid growth has put pressure on many long-standing, locally owned businesses that are vital to the city’s character, culture, and economy. A legacy business program could help protect these businesses by offering them financial resources, education, and formal recognition, ensuring they can continue to thrive in the face of rising costs and increased competition.
Supporting legacy businesses is important not only for preserving Austin’s unique identity but also for promoting economic diversity. These businesses often provide affordable services and goods while contributing to the cultural vibrancy of our city. By adopting a program similar to those in San Francisco and San Antonio, we can ensure that these businesses have the tools and support they need to succeed in the long term.
However, it is crucial that any such program is developed in a way that considers the broader economic challenges Austin faces, particularly around affordability. The program should be structured to provide meaningful support without placing excessive burdens on taxpayers or limiting opportunities for new businesses. By taking a thoughtful, balanced approach, we can protect Austin’s legacy businesses while fostering a dynamic and inclusive local economy.
Underrepresented Heritage is one of Preservation Austin’s Advocacy Priorities. East Austin continues to experience increased rates of displacement and demolition of historic places significant to its Black and Brown neighborhoods. Recently, we’ve advocated for historic zoning for properties in East Austin such as the Sinnigson House and 1500 E. 12th Street. Often, the designation of these properties is supported by our Historic Preservation Office, the Historic Landmark Commission, and Planning Commission, but fail at City Council due to a lack of supermajority votes needed to designate over an owner’s objections.
If elected, would you support designating properties over an owner’s objections? What is your threshold for determining if a property merits designation? Please explain.
YES
Designating properties as historic over an owner’s objections is a complex issue, and if elected, I would take a balanced approach. Historic preservation is essential, particularly in areas like East Austin where Black and Brown communities have historically contributed to the cultural fabric of the city. Protecting these significant sites is critical to preserving the diversity of Austin’s heritage, and I understand the need for strong measures to prevent displacement and the demolition of culturally important landmarks.
However, I also believe that property owners' rights should be considered. My threshold for supporting a historic designation over an owner’s objection would depend on several factors. These include the property's historical significance, the level of community support for the designation, the impact the designation would have on the surrounding neighborhood, and whether the property plays a vital role in telling the story of underrepresented heritage.
I would support designating properties if there is clear evidence of their importance to Austin’s history and culture, particularly when those properties represent underrepresented communities. The process should be collaborative, involving outreach and communication with property owners to seek solutions that balance preservation with their interests. In the end, the preservation of our city’s heritage must be weighed thoughtfully against individual property rights.
As a member of Austin City Council, what is one policy or initiative you would enact to ensure the preservation of our city’s historic and cultural heritage?
As a member of Austin City Council, one policy I would enact to ensure the preservation of our city’s historic and cultural heritage would be the creation of a Heritage Preservation Incentive Program. This program would provide financial incentives and technical support to property owners who choose to preserve and rehabilitate historically significant buildings, particularly those tied to underrepresented communities.
The incentive program could offer grants or tax credits for restoration projects, ensuring that preservation is economically feasible for owners who might otherwise opt for demolition due to cost constraints. Additionally, the program would include educational resources and partnerships with local preservation experts to guide property owners through the process of restoring their buildings in a historically accurate and sustainable way.
By offering incentives rather than imposing restrictions, this initiative would encourage voluntary preservation while addressing the affordability concerns that often come with maintaining historic properties. It would also prioritize properties with cultural significance to marginalized communities, helping to safeguard the stories and heritage of Austin’s diverse population. This approach would foster collaboration between the city, property owners, and community advocates, ensuring that our cultural and historic landmarks remain a vital part of Austin's identity for generations to come.