Jorge Rosalind presents urban design guidelines update to city commission

In a recent meeting held on August 25, 2025, the Austin Urban Design Commission received an update on the development of new urban design guidelines from Jorge Rosalind, the executive liaison to the commission. The session highlighted the ongoing efforts to create a structured and visually appealing document that will guide future urban design in Austin.

Rosalind explained that the team is currently facing challenges due to staffing shortages, with two key positions in the urban design division unfilled. To address this, they have temporarily brought on senior planner Steven Cruz to assist with the project. The recruitment process for the vacant positions is underway, but the absence of full staffing has extended the timeline for completing the guidelines.

During the briefing, Rosalind presented an initial sampling of the draft guidelines, which were inspired by the design guidelines used in Los Angeles. This preliminary version is intended to gather feedback from the commission and ensure that the project is on the right track before further development takes place. Rosalind emphasized that this is not the final version but rather a starting point for discussion.

The meeting underscored the importance of these guidelines in shaping the future of urban design in Austin. As the city continues to grow, having clear and effective design standards will be crucial for maintaining the character and functionality of urban spaces. The commission's feedback will play a vital role in refining the guidelines, which are expected to evolve into a comprehensive InDesign document in the coming months.

As the recruitment process progresses and the guidelines are further developed, the commission will continue to engage with the community and stakeholders to ensure that the final product meets the needs and aspirations of Austin residents. The next steps will involve incorporating feedback and addressing any unresolved issues to create a robust framework for urban design in the city.