Farm&City is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit think-and-do tank horizontally and vertically integrated across Texas public policy. We work up and down the levels of government, sometimes lobbying for change at city hall, sometimes partnering with TxDOT on safety trainings, and sometimes empowering people across the state to engage in regional planning. We address interconnected public policy issues at the intersections of transportation, urban planning, sustainability, and equity.
We attend stakeholder meetings across Texas, representing the people through our vision, values, and principles. By developing contacts, following policy arenas, and building new approaches and shared understandings, we widen the policy windows to make positive change more likely improve Texans’ lives. We partner with community and nonprofit groups, helping them with data, maps, and policy workshops to find optimal solutions.
We champion land development reforms, exemplified by co-hosting YIMBYtown 2024 and our Growing Weirder project. Our research shows that urban areas in Austin, like East Riverside, West Campus, and Rundberg, offer the most affordable, low-carbon living options. Our advocacy led to policy shifts towards Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) in Austin, and we aim to improve the success of land use reform efforts at the state and local levels.
We lead Vision Zero Texas, the statewide movement to end traffic deaths. We succeeded in influencing the State of Texas to adopt the Road to Zero goal to end traffic fatalities by 2050 and halve them by 2035, as well as similar policy changes across the state. Our work emphasizes data-driven strategies, policy advocacy, and community engagement to make streets safer for all.
We advocate for funding and policies that support public transit, active transportation, and an inclusive approach that exceeds ADA standards, alongside multimodal design standards. Our mission is to ensure that everyone has the freedom to choose how they travel, without being required to drive so much, by promoting diverse and accessible transportation options.
We are dedicated to enhancing regional planning through equitable scenario planning, safe multimodal access models, and fair representation. Our efforts include pushing for MPO and TxDOT planning reforms, as well as addressing the impacts on climate, air, and water. Our holistic approach aims to create sustainable and inclusive growth across the region.
You can help us succeed by donating today and signing up for our email newsletter. Depending on where you live, we hope to see you at an event someday where we can discuss solutions to important Texas public policy issues in your neck of the woods.