Policy Happy Hour
Preservation on the Ballot: 2026 Bond Election
TUESDAY, APRIL 28 | 6 PM - 7:30 PM
MCFARLAND-MCBEE HOUSE | 3805 RED RIVER
FREE | Happy hour at 6:00 PM; program at 6:30 PM
Registration required. Space is limited to 25 seats; registration closes April 24 at noon.
As Austin’s only citywide preservation nonprofit, Preservation Austin advocates year-round to ensure that our city’s historic places get the critical funding they need to survive and thrive. This spring we’re advocating for the inclusion of real estate nonprofit Rally Austin’s $75 million proposal in Austin’s 2026 Bond Election, which includes critical support for Austin’s legacy businesses and historic buildings through investment and acquisition.
Join us for this free happy hour event at the historic McFarland-McBee House, where guests will hear from Rally Austin’s Chief Operating Officer, David A. Colligan, about how their proposal could benefit preservation, and what you can do to support their efforts. Complimentary beer and wine will be served for happy hour at 6 PM, with a presentation at 6:30 PM followed by a Q&A discussion. Come prepared to mingle with fellow attendees and ask questions of our speaker!
Support this work by becoming a Preservation Austin member today. Your support of just $10/month makes our advocacy possible!
Event Details:
This event takes place indoors in the JuanRaymon Rubio Community Room at the McFarland-McBee House. Happy hour begins at 6 PM; program begins at 6:30 PM. Space is limited to 25 attendees, RSVP by April 24 at noon to secure your seat.
Guests are asked to find street parking in the neighborhood, typically available along 38th and 39th Streets on either side of the McFarland-McBee House. Please adhere to public right-of-way parking rules and be respectful of neighbors. Walking, biking, public transit, and ridesharing are always encouraged! The McFarland-McBee House has a bike rack available for use, as well as an ADA parking spot. Our small parking lot is otherwise reserved for staff, volunteers, and presenters.
About Rally Austin’s 2026 Community Investment Bond Proposal:
Austin’s affordability crisis is not only displacing residents. It is also putting the city’s creatives, cultural spaces, and legacy businesses at risk, threatening the identity, vibrancy, and future success. Rally Austin’s 2026 Community Investment Bond proposal offers a practical solution by investing in the acquisition and improvement of cultural, commercial, and mixed-use properties that can preserve community identity while creating long-term affordable space. Built around the Austin Cultural Trust, legacy business preservation, and affordable housing and workspace, the proposal reflects a new model for community and economic development that limits City risk today while building Rally’s capacity to become a long-term financing partner to the City and other public agencies across Central Texas. Learn more about the proposal here.
David A. Colligan is a seasoned senior leader with over 20 years of experience in economic development, public-private partnerships, and community-driven initiatives. As the Chief Operating Officer of Rally Austin, he plays a key role in driving organizational development and strategic initiatives, supporting multi-million-dollar partnerships, and advancing projects that align economic, community, and institutional goals.