Tag Groups used in Events

We need to be brutally honest about what’s happening. Gentrification isn’t just about new coffee shops and cool apartments, it’s about displacement. Families, small businesses, and communities that gave Austin its soul, its entire character, are being pushed out by rising rent and unchecked development. And if we don’t act fast, we’ll lose the very thing that made Austin so special in the first place. - In this part, I use direct, urgent language and strong emotional appeals to emphasize the seriousness of gentrification, challenging listeners to recognize its real consequences and take action before it’s too late.

This is where my journalist guest from The Daily Texan can weigh in, maybe sharing insight from the UT report or recent coverage on Austin’s affordability crisis. “Joining me now is Diego Hernandez, longtime South Austin resident and journalist from The Daily Texan who has some very useful insights on this topic. Diego, what do you think about the harsh gentrification of East and South Austin, and do you have any opinions on it?” - In this part, I introduce a credible guest speaker to add depth and outside perspective, using their journalistic authority and personal ties to the community to strengthen the conversation’s legitimacy and broaden its appeal.

That really nails it Diego. Gentrification definitely does not affect everyone equally. Studies across the country, and right here in Austin, show that communities of color, especially Black and Latino residents, are hit the hardest. For example, sociologist Jackelyn Hwang’s research from Philadelphia found that Black residents displaced by gentrification were often pushed into even poorer neighborhoods. White residents, meanwhile, had more access to stable, wealthier areas. - In this section, I use expert research and demographic evidence to highlight the racial inequalities of gentrification, appealing to logic and justice to deepen the audience’s understanding of who is most harmed by these changes.

Intro to podcast and intro to Pao.

Pao talks about her families business that was affected by gentrification.

Explaining how that incident affected our community becasue of the lack of things to already do in the valley. Intro to solution and research to support.

How college students can benefit from CLT's and both students and community can come together.

A third of neighborhoods are at risk to displacement. A crazy statistic that revelas the disparity of this issue, and hopefully the reader can view this in shock.

The statistic discussing the median household price in Austin increasing allows the reader to understand that this is an on going issue. Displacement number 1 reason of happening is due to high housing prices.

Only 20% of Americans trust their government, a shocking statistic that shows the how many citizens cannot even rely on the government.

"In Austin, for example, 49% of renters spend more than 30%, and some even more than 50% of their income just on housing. According to Mike Nellis from the Austin Community Foundation, “Lack of access to safe, affordable housing negatively impacts people’s physical and mental health… and is a driving force behind homelessness.”". This one quote allows us to now have a precise location, and relative statistics about the area.

"As housing expert David Kanne puts it: “In today’s world of higher construction prices, land prices, and interest rates, you have to increase your density.” If developers don’t see financial incentives, they won’t prioritize affordability." Being a expert in the topic gives Kanne a sense of pathos as he is trustworthy, and hes correct, if we use logos its only reasonable that big companies will only want to agree to compomises if it leads to them getting paid. And lastly Kanne has personal experience in the field making him a credible source.

What are the two projects about gentrification?: Describe what the anti-displacement toolkit is

What are the two projects about gentrification?: Describe what the forwarddallas 2.0 plan is

Interviews: There are 6 questions regarding gentrification, their experiences, and the plans that I would like to ask them about, with a bit of background noise

Third, passive renter control and tenant protections. It is important for the policies to limit the rent increase and also protect tenants from being kicked out unjustly. It is about creating stability and power for renters in a market that is frequently hostile, if not completely one-sided, against them.These are not just concepts: they have been shown to work. One example is Columbia Heights in Washington D.C. A historically African American area and adjacent to Howard University. Columbia Heights experienced extreme disinvestment and damage from the MLK riots, which led to City intervention with renewed investment into the area, with several caveats. In contrast to the former issues with rent disinvestment and tenant displacement, the new investment will incorporate incorporate 1) An additional subway stop, 2) units of affordable housing, and 3) funding for nonprofits to develop affordable housing. To this day, Columbia Heights has kept 20% of housing affordable and former tenants now own their own buildings with tenant protections keeping tenants stable amidst the intensifying growth.

Is it flawless? No. We still have cases of displacement. But it demonstrates what is possible when a city tries to develop without losing sight of who is already present.Sure, there will be some that don't agree. Some landlords will state rent control will affect their income or the housing market. Others will claim zoning restrictions are limiting their development opportunities. Yes, those are legitimate concerns. But what is most important—profits or people?Because when push comes to shove, we are talking about people being pushed away from their communities. Their schools. Their churches. Their memories. Their stories. That isn't "progress"; that is loss.So, imagine watching the neighbourhood you live in disappear in front of your eyes. Not overnight, but little by little—year after year—until it becomes unrecognizable

As you all know, Austin's population is exploding. We're up 30% in the last 10 years, and we've doubled in the last 20. We're always talking on the podcast about where to put all these people. Today, we're going to talk about one particularly difficult group of newcomers, the wealthy ones. ---- This passage uses logos by quoting concrete numbers. It also uses pathos in making the listener imagine the crowding and perhaps having an emotional reaction to wealthy newcomers.

This is a phenomenon identified by Lori Goodman in her research for the Urban Institute. This, my friends, is called gentrification. This process replaces low-income housing with remodeled, expensive luxury. ---- Ethos is utilized here by reference to scholarly articles. There is some logos as well with the definition of gentrification.

Specifically, we'd forbid developers from making affordable housing into luxury. Let's talk about what zoning is and how the City can use it to implement these policies. According to Kenton, writing in Investopedia, zoning refers to municipal or local laws and regulations that govern how real property can and cannot be used in certain geographic areas. Ethos is used by referring to the published expert's definition. Logos is used in the further advancement of the proposal.

Kenton goes on to explain that municipalities create a master plan and petition the City into neighborhoods and districts. Different rules will apply to different petitions in order to achieve goals such as creating certain types of living space for residents or promoting economic development. A crude example would be that you can't build an oil refinery in a residential neighborhood, but a more subtle example would be that certain neighborhoods are only for single-family homes with yards, not apartment buildings. --- This passage entirely uses logos to give details of how zoning works to provide a foundation for the proposal.

Rhetoric surrounding gentrification has becomes outdated- referencing Eliot Tretter's article, we have approached our understanding of rhetoric in the same way for decades. Why shouldn't there be a resurgence?

We investigate a past case in media viralty- the BLM movement in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. In this case, virality caused a negative effect, blooming into an online argumentative discourse over principal and shifting attention away from the real exigence.

There are several downsides to organised virality- and many past examples of attempts at virality that didn't work out. Unorganised virality, however, can have it's own downsides. In this case, we aim to find the true benefit of virality.

Personal Anecdote & Problem Illustration, Uses a personal narrative to build Ethos and evoke Pathos. The Seoul statistic provides initial Logos, illustrating the broader problem of Displacement.

Introducing myself and the topic I'm focusing on: Gentrification in Austin, TX, specifically how local South Congress businesses have been facing displacement. By bringing awareness to the issue through a podcast, it brings out the emotion in listeners, intriguing them to continue listening and expanding their knowledge on the topic. I use my personal experience and tone of voice to connect with the audience and help them understand how this issue affects real people in their community.

Connecting Rachel Meltzer's research to this topic: Explains how demographic shifts are reshaping South Congress by highlighting how new wealthier residents are unintentionally displacing the diversity and creativity that once defined the area. This invites listeners to reflect on their role in these changes. The delivery and use of a thoughtful, informative tone help persuade new and long-time residents to think more about this issue.

A lifelong Austin resident shares her opinion on the cultural shift in the city. Including her voice adds authenticity and emotional appeal, which allows listeners to hear directly from someone who has seen these changes. This personal statement and conversational tone can strengthen the podcast’s connection to the audience, especially long-time residents who may share the same opinion.

Going beyond Austin and connecting research done by a team who focused on gentrification in cities Charlotte, Phoenix, and Seattle: Sukaryavichute and their team's research shows similar gentrification patterns in Charlotte, Phoenix, and Seattle. By combining personal experiences with observational evidence, this part of my podcast uses logos and ethos to build credibility helping listeners understand this is a widespread issue, not just a local one. This also can attract and engage a broader audience.

Connecting Jessica Ferm's research to this topic: Jessica Ferm highlights how policymakers fail to address the negative effects of gentrification. This quote strengthens my podcast’s credibility and encourages listeners to question what the local government may be hiding. The serious tone emphasizes the disconnect between local government and community impact, aiming to engage concerned residents and prompt community involvement.

Consequences: This part highlights the long-term consequences if no action is taken, warning that South Congress could lose its identity just like the cities of Charlotte and Seattle. By blending emotional appeal with research, my podcast strengthens its argument and encourages listeners to take this issue seriously.

Sharing personal example of the area

NLIHC Chart (Chart 01 and Chart 02)

Discuss prescedence of the solution working, this is a strong expression of Ethos, the prescendence will allow the audience to think the solution's credibility

Argument of economy growing, this is a use of Logos, as the audience will have the tendency to believe that it might be reasonable for gentrification to happen as it is good for the economy

Solution to high rent prices emphasizes that there is hope and audience can help with taking action. Shaw, Jonathan D., Juan G. Restrepo, and Nancy Rodríguez. A Dynamical System Model of Gentrification: Exploring a Simple Rent Control Strategy. arXiv, 17 June 2024, https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.09723.

Study that showed rent control reduced displacement motivates the audience to join the movement. Kholodilin, Konstantin A. "Rent Control Effects through the Lens of Empirical Research." Journal of Housing Economics, vol. 63, Mar. 2024, p. 101983. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhe.2024.101983.

By providing a logical approach to gentrification, it evokes logos and highlights the need for policy.

Providing real world applications of rent control and its effects emphasizes the speaker's credibility.

Booe and Lippman state that "The neighborhood's culture is being erased as higher-income people replace working-class residents and as businesses cater more to tourists than locals." And when you walk down South Congress now, you can see exactly what they're talking about. You still hear music, you still see some color, but the feeling has shifted. It has become more commercial. It's essential to note that change itself is not the enemy. Cities are always going to evolve. People move, businesses open and close, and development happens. But the question is who that change is for. Is it for the people who already live there? Or is it just for outsiders with more money?

Right now, the way things are going, it's clear that the changes on South Congress are not really being made with long-term residents in mind.And the reason this matters isn't just because it's unfair. It also damages the city's identity. Austin is known for its creativity and its culture, I bring in outside sources and personal observation to show that the changes on South Congress are not just physical but cultural, and I ask who these changes are really serving to make it clear that the city's growth is coming at the cost of its identity and longtime residents.

Portland has already implemented something similar with its Anti-Displacement Action Plan. They offer rent assistance, repair grants, and support for community organizations. They didn't stop development. They just made it more balanced. This could be established in Austin. There are also other ideas we should explore, such as inclusionary zoning, which would require developers to incorporate affordable housing into new construction, or community land trusts, which can keep housing permanently affordable by removing the land from the market. These solutions already exist. We don't have to invent anything new.

We just have to care enough to use them. Beyond policy, though, this is about values. Do we want to be a city that protects its people, or one that only accommodates wealth? Do we want to preserve what makes Austin what it is? And no, this isn't about being anti-business or anti-growth. I use real examples and practical solutions to show that cities like Portland have already taken steps to balance growth with fairness, and I shift the focus from just policy to values by asking what kind of city we want Austin to be.

We need to be brutally honest about what’s happening. Gentrification isn’t just about new coffee shops and cool apartments, it’s about displacement. Families, small businesses, and communities that gave Austin its soul, its entire character, are being pushed out by rising rent and unchecked development. And if we don’t act fast, we’ll lose the very thing that made Austin so special in the first place. - In this part, I use direct, urgent language and strong emotional appeals to emphasize the seriousness of gentrification, challenging listeners to recognize its real consequences and take action before it’s too late.

So here’s what I’m proposing: three clear policies that could help Austin grow without losing its heart. First, we need mandatory affordable housing requirements for new developments. That means every time a developer builds, a portion of those units must be reserved for low- and middle-income residents. Second, we need rent control especially in historically significant neighborhoods that are most at risk in order to protect the culture that they have built over time. And third, we need financial protections for long-standing small businesses, many of which are being priced out of the very communities they helped shape.These aren't radical ideas, they’re common sense. And other cities have done it. The question is: will Austin step up? - In this section, I use a confident and solution-focused tone, supported by clear, practical proposals and rhetorical questions, to persuade the audience that meaningful policy change is both possible and urgently needed in Austin.

This is where my journalist guest from The Daily Texan can weigh in, maybe sharing insight from the UT report or recent coverage on Austin’s affordability crisis. “Joining me now is Diego Hernandez, longtime South Austin resident and journalist from The Daily Texan who has some very useful insights on this topic. Diego, what do you think about the harsh gentrification of East and South Austin, and do you have any opinions on it?” - In this part, I introduce a credible guest speaker to add depth and outside perspective, using their journalistic authority and personal ties to the community to strengthen the conversation’s legitimacy and broaden its appeal.

That really nails it Diego. Gentrification definitely does not affect everyone equally. Studies across the country, and right here in Austin, show that communities of color, especially Black and Latino residents, are hit the hardest. For example, sociologist Jackelyn Hwang’s research from Philadelphia found that Black residents displaced by gentrification were often pushed into even poorer neighborhoods. White residents, meanwhile, had more access to stable, wealthier areas. - In this section, I use expert research and demographic evidence to highlight the racial inequalities of gentrification, appealing to logic and justice to deepen the audience’s understanding of who is most harmed by these changes.

This is the exact situation residents in Austin are facing too. Once again, Austin’s own studies show the same thing: historically Black and Latino neighborhoods, especially in what’s called the “eastern crescent”, are losing their cultural identity at a rapid pace. Additionally, city-funded reports have already warned that without bold policy action, these communities will all disappear altogether, putting Austin’s cultural identity at risk. - In this part, I connect national research to local realities, reinforcing my argument with place-specific evidence and a warning tone to stress the urgency of protecting Austin’s cultural and racial heritage before it’s lost entirely.

Now, some people argue that policies like rent control or affordable housing will scare away developers or hurt the economy. But clearly this is just not true. Cities like New York, San Francisco, and even Portland, have all found ways to balance growth and equity. And Austin? We’re one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Developers aren’t going to pack up just because they’re asked to build responsibly, making this outcome we are searching for very realistic. In fact, Austin has a real opportunity right now. Lawmakers have been discussing changes like reducing minimum lot sizes and expediting permits in order to build more homes faster. But volume alone obviously won’t fix affordability. If we just build more luxury condos, we’re still excluding the people who actually need housing. That’s why affordability must be baked into every part of every growth. - In this conclusion, I directly address counterarguments with evidence from other cities, using logic and a hopeful yet firm tone to argue that responsible development and equity can coexist, and that Austin has both the momentum and responsibility to lead the way.

And also, let’s not forget about small businesses. They’re more than just storefronts, they’re community anchors. Whether it's a family restaurant, vintage shop, or local music venue, these places are what make Austin Austin. With the right support, grants, tax breaks, public-private partnerships, we can help them survive the tough times gentrification has brought about. - In this part, I appeal to shared values and local pride by emphasizing the cultural importance of small businesses, while offering realistic policy solutions to show that preserving Austin’s unique identity is both necessary and achievable.

Pao talks about her families business that was affected by gentrification.

Explaining how that incident affected our community becasue of the lack of things to already do in the valley. Intro to solution and research to support.

Why CLT are important and beneficial to our community and how they can help more than just one persons business.

Paos response to my solution and how students can get involved with their community.

I am introducing myself in the podcast, giving background information about the issues of gentrification. More speicifally about displacement in houston

A third of neighborhoods are at risk to displacement. A crazy statistic that revelas the disparity of this issue, and hopefully the reader can view this in shock.

Rhetorical question," So how do we push it back?"

The statistic discussing the median household price in Austin increasing allows the reader to understand that this is an on going issue. Displacement number 1 reason of happening is due to high housing prices.

Only 20% of Americans trust their government, a shocking statistic that shows the how many citizens cannot even rely on the government.

An introduction to both sides of the fight, one that supports gentrification while the other side that fights against it. This allows us to be more credible as we are not kjust focused on one side, and we acknowledged the other side.

Exigence, as someone who benefits from S.M.A.R.T Housing, I am going to be able to conncet with the issue of higher cost due to gentrification lot more.

The problem, communities like Third Wards population have dropped tremendously due to many factors, but mainly becasue of high prices that must be fought with the proposed plan.

"Rents go up. Property taxes skyrocket. Local businesses get wiped out and replaced with luxury apartments or chain stores. And just like that, the neighborhood changes, and with that, it loses the culture and what made it special.". This helps us to focus on the communities being affected as well as using ethos while talking about the loss of culture coming with gentrification.

"As housing expert David Kanne puts it: “In today’s world of higher construction prices, land prices, and interest rates, you have to increase your density.” If developers don’t see financial incentives, they won’t prioritize affordability." Being a expert in the topic gives Kanne a sense of pathos as he is trustworthy, and hes correct, if we use logos its only reasonable that big companies will only want to agree to compomises if it leads to them getting paid. And lastly Kanne has personal experience in the field making him a credible source.

An article from Change.org put it best: “Change starts with a single action. Every voice can make a difference.” The more people we get talking about SMART housing, the more pressure we can put on lawmakers to push for real changes.". This quote pushes for Ethos as its main source but its also very persuasive as its a call to action for the everyday person that reads this.

Describes personal history with Lockhart and establishes emotional connection; starts introducing the idea that changes are happening.

What is gentrification? We will give the two main sides of gentrification. How some people see it as a good thing while others a bad thing.

Introduction of both Natalies: Natalie Bueno talks about her recent move to Terrel Texas

What are the two projects about gentrification?: Describe what the anti-displacement toolkit is

What are the two projects about gentrification?: Describe what the forwarddallas 2.0 plan is

Hi everybody, thank you for listening. Today I'd like to discuss a topic that is, specifically for me, relevant. I am from Sugar Land, Texas, a suburb of Houston. After all, my hometown has started changing rather quickly. I mean really quickly. In the past ten years, the city of Houston has seen quite the jump in prices... housing, rent, etc. So, it makes sense that people are looking to move away from the city, and find something more reasonable. Some of them go to Sugar Land, TX. On the one hand, that sounds like growth—more people, more buildings, more jobs, more hospitals, more lanes on the freeway. But on the other maybe not... because behind all of this growth is a word that has become somewhat more common in and around cities alike, gentrification.

So what is gentrification? It's when wealthier people move into mostly affordable neighborhoods—places with culture, history, community, old buildings. long-time residents—especially if they are low-income—are often pushed out. Small businesses are faced with rising rents. And the people who called that place home for years start to feel that the place is becoming unrecognizable to them

Sugar Land is certainly becoming a prime example of this.There are two sides of the story. There are the newer, middle-to-high income residents—who are excited about the new houses, shopping centers, and everything clean and modern about Sugar Land. And, I completely get it. It's nice to have all of those conveniences at your fingertips. However, for the long-term residents—who have built their lives here—this "growth" and "progress" feels like erasure. The local stores they once went to growing up are gone. Prices are going up. And, with every new development, the threat of being pushed out increases.

It is personal. Because when your hometown doesn't feel like home anymore, what can you do? But here is the truth - gentrification doesn't have to mean displacement. Other cities have come up with better ways to deal with this. There are ways. So, let's discuss a few of these that could work in Sugar Land. First, inclusionary zoning. This is when developers are required to provide a percentage of new housing as affordable. So yes, build that new apartment complex *but make part of it affordable to people already living in this area.* The second solution is community land trusts. These, nonprofit organizations buy land and then keep the land forever for affordable housing. This way, the land truly stays in the community and housing prices don't go way up.

Third, passive renter control and tenant protections. It is important for the policies to limit the rent increase and also protect tenants from being kicked out unjustly. It is about creating stability and power for renters in a market that is frequently hostile, if not completely one-sided, against them.These are not just concepts: they have been shown to work. One example is Columbia Heights in Washington D.C. A historically African American area and adjacent to Howard University. Columbia Heights experienced extreme disinvestment and damage from the MLK riots, which led to City intervention with renewed investment into the area, with several caveats. In contrast to the former issues with rent disinvestment and tenant displacement, the new investment will incorporate incorporate 1) An additional subway stop, 2) units of affordable housing, and 3) funding for nonprofits to develop affordable housing. To this day, Columbia Heights has kept 20% of housing affordable and former tenants now own their own buildings with tenant protections keeping tenants stable amidst the intensifying growth.

Applause audio

Intro music, establishes a dramatic tone. --- The pathos aspect of this music makes the listener feel that the podcast is important and substantial.

Hello, my name is Sunny Bell, and welcome to another episode of Keepin' Austin Austin. For those of you new to the podcast, this is a place where people who love Austin's unique qualities think about ideas to keep Austin special, even while it is growing like a weed. --- Ethos is used here to establish both the speaker's and the podcast's credibility. This episode is part of an ongoing series, not just a single occasion. The specialization of the podcast on growth issues. contributes ethos to this episode

As you all know, Austin's population is exploding. We're up 30% in the last 10 years, and we've doubled in the last 20. We're always talking on the podcast about where to put all these people. Today, we're going to talk about one particularly difficult group of newcomers, the wealthy ones. ---- This passage uses logos by quoting concrete numbers. It also uses pathos in making the listener imagine the crowding and perhaps having an emotional reaction to wealthy newcomers.

Many of these folks aren't coming here for the Austin vibe, but are here because a company moved their headquarters here. Many don't have any commitment to Keepin' Austin Austin. They show up here with their East Coast, West Coast money and coastal expectations for housing. --- Pathos is at work here identifying the needs of this group of people as a problem and putting them in a negative light.

They want high-end luxury, and they think it will be cheaper than where they came from. Bad news for them. It was cheaper here, but as we all know, it's not cheap anymore. --- This passage continues the pathos of negativity towards the newcomers. There is also an element of logos with comparisons of housing costs.

There's not enough new housing in upscale areas, and that has caused prices to go sky high. They can't afford the best, and there isn't enough of it anyway. This is too bad for them, but unfortunately, their solution is to move into our traditional neighborhoods, many of them low-income, and try to bring them up to their standards. ---- Logos is demonstrated in this passage, setting the causation for the problem presented.

This is a phenomenon identified by Lori Goodman in her research for the Urban Institute. This, my friends, is called gentrification. This process replaces low-income housing with remodeled, expensive luxury. ---- Ethos is utilized here by reference to scholarly articles. There is some logos as well with the definition of gentrification.

The corner barbershop becomes a little lemon, and the community institutions weather under a flood of half-caffeinated lattes. And worst, the existing residents get squeezed out of their own neighborhood. If we want to keep Austin Austin, we've got to find a way to stop this gentrification. --- Pathos is at work here trying to create the emotion of indignation at the unfairness of gentrification.

Let's welcome our newcomers, but put them where they are happiest, among their peers. Don't get me wrong, if someone new wants to live in a traditional neighborhood and loves it for how it is now, that's great, but let's keep out those who just want to destroy and rebuild. Here at Keepin' Austin Austin, we think we have one solution to this problem. --- This passage introduces the logos of the podcast, generally mentioning the podcast's solution. At the same time, it continues to use pathos to disparage the newcomers. The reference to the authority of the podcast inspires ethos.

Let's creatively use City of Austin zoning to address these issues. We will ask that the Planning Department and the Planning Commission consider these proposals and recommend that the City Council of Austin enact them into law. Our plan has two parts. Logos here introduces the argument.

First, we will change zoning to relax restrictions on development in wealthier areas. We will aim for allowing more luxury, high-rise buildings, speeding the approval process for new construction, and rezoning nearby land to allow for an expansion of the rich areas. Then, we will also use zoning to restrict certain types of development in traditional low-income neighborhoods. --- Logos is used here in adding detail to the proposal.

Specifically, we'd forbid developers from making affordable housing into luxury. Let's talk about what zoning is and how the City can use it to implement these policies. According to Kenton, writing in Investopedia, zoning refers to municipal or local laws and regulations that govern how real property can and cannot be used in certain geographic areas. Ethos is used by referring to the published expert's definition. Logos is used in the further advancement of the proposal.

Kenton goes on to explain that municipalities create a master plan and petition the City into neighborhoods and districts. Different rules will apply to different petitions in order to achieve goals such as creating certain types of living space for residents or promoting economic development. A crude example would be that you can't build an oil refinery in a residential neighborhood, but a more subtle example would be that certain neighborhoods are only for single-family homes with yards, not apartment buildings. --- This passage entirely uses logos to give details of how zoning works to provide a foundation for the proposal.

Turning to the City of Austin specifically, the City is divided into what are called base districts. There are 16 of these, which fall into basic categories such as single-family only or medium-density apartments. However, there are huge complexities within this through the use of what are called overlays --- Logos continues to be used in this passage as the general description of zoning is applied to the City of Austin.

These can get quite specific. For example, there is a Capitol View overlay district, which preserves views of the Capitol Dome by limiting the height of buildings along certain corridors. There are also specific overlays to preserve the character of historic districts, such as Aldrich Place, which is north of the University in the City of Austin. Logos continues to be used as the details of how zoning works in Austin are described.

But in practice, the rules are created and defined by the Planning Commission, a pointed group of volunteers, and the Planning Department, a division of the municipal government. We propose that Austin use overlays to selectively relax housing restrictions in some trendy, wealthy districts. This could include allowing more high-rise buildings, speeding the approval process for new constructions, and rezoning nearby land to make it part of the wealthy areas. --- Logos is further used to give details to the plan. This section also uses Ethos, because the legitimacy of the idea is demonstrated by the speaker's deep knowledge of zoning.

But so that these areas stay desirable, the City can, in effect, require that only new upscale housing be allowed. This can be achieved by, for example, requiring a certain size floor plan for new apartments. Even specific materials for construction and faucets could create more of the type of housing that would attract the wealthy newcomers. -- This section is entirely focused on logos as more details of the proposal are presented.

With more of this housing available, prices would be less likely to spiral out of control. The other part of my proposal is to make novel use of overlays to protect the low-income nature of certain existing traditional neighborhoods. This is turning traditional zoning on its head by using protections normally deployed in the service of the privileged to benefit the underprivileged. --- This section uses further logos to further describe the proposal. In addition, there is an element of ethos involved because the assertion of novelty implies that the speaker has expertise in the subject.

To support my point, Austin already has embraced this approach, in certain ways through the creation of a category called Homestead Preservation Districts, as described by the Mount Bonnell Project. But this has only happened in one place in East Austin, and was narrow in its goals, as described by the City on its website. My proposal aims for the broader use of Homestead Preservation Districts. --- This section entirely relies on logos in describing the context for the proposal.

In this part of my proposal, zoning would be deployed to significantly limit the expansion of housing stock in traditional neighborhoods. By restricting growth, there wouldn't be enough places for the wealthy newcomers to live, even if they wanted to. --- This passage continues to use the logos to describe the proposal and then use logos in another way to make a logical argument to support the proposal.

However, there is a potential pitfall here. Fewer apartments that are harder to find could create scarcity that makes traditional low-income housing more so often, and even more expensive once they are remodeled into luxury. We propose to attack this problem by limiting the ability of developers and new residents to make existing rental units more upscale and desirable. Nothing can be built in Austin without a building permit that describes the work and the cost of the work. The City could set a limit on how much you could spend upgrading apartments and avoid these pitfalls. --- Logos is deployed here to highlight a possible problem and then demonstrate the proposal has a solution. This also invokes this because the speaker is shown to have carefully thought through the implications of the proposal and therefore the speaker has more credibility.

But hey, we know these proposals may not work for a lot of reasons, but let's try to use zoning overlays and building permits to fix this. We here at Keep an Austin Austin are always optimistic that we can keep the vibe, no matter how many people move here. --- This section uses logos in a different way, using logic to describe some reasons why the proposal may not work. Showing that the proposal may not work is using ethos to bolster the credibility of the speaker because she has thought through various scenarios and has a real-world practical approach. It also has pathos in that it tries to affect the emotions of the listener and have them feel upbeat.

This is Sunny Bell, and that's all for this time. Hit that subscribe button so you can be the first to know about the next one. Thank you. --- This conclusion uses ethos to further bolster the speaker's credibility because this podcast is part of a series that is concentrated on topics related to this proposal.

Bach's Toccata and Fugue, often associated with horror, depicts an impending doom- one that accompanies the start of urban renewal.

Walt Whitman adopts the satirical perspective of a reformer, using evocative language to lament the changes in Brooklyn due to a steady and rapid gentrification. The modern reformer '[raises] the devil' and 'breaks things'.

There are various modes and biases associated with rhetoric- all contained within one person, with a baseline that extends and bounces around cultural, societal, and personal biases. Altogether, it can change the way we see things- our world is our basis for understanding.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote arises from a sermon he made at Columbia University, which presses that change requires action in order to occur.

We investigate a past case in media viralty- the BLM movement in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. In this case, virality caused a negative effect, blooming into an online argumentative discourse over principal and shifting attention away from the real exigence.

There are several downsides to organised virality- and many past examples of attempts at virality that didn't work out. Unorganised virality, however, can have it's own downsides. In this case, we aim to find the true benefit of virality.

Introduction & Context, Establishes the setting (Taipei), introduces the central topic (MRT expansion), and subtly introduces the core problem (gentrification) as a negative consequence. Sets the Exigence for addressing this "shadow."

Personal Anecdote & Problem Illustration, Uses a personal narrative to build Ethos and evoke Pathos. The Seoul statistic provides initial Logos, illustrating the broader problem of Displacement.

Acknowledging the Counter-Argument, Presents the opposing viewpoint, appealing to Logos and acknowledging the economic benefits often cited by Stakeholders.

Emphasizing the Human and Community Cost

Introducing the Nuanced Solution: Community-Focused TOD

Detailing Implementation Strategies

Addressing Potential Objections & Conclusion

Connecting Rachel Meltzer's research to this topic: Explains how demographic shifts are reshaping South Congress by highlighting how new wealthier residents are unintentionally displacing the diversity and creativity that once defined the area. This invites listeners to reflect on their role in these changes. The delivery and use of a thoughtful, informative tone help persuade new and long-time residents to think more about this issue.

The risk of losing Austin's image because of local shops being displaced: Highlight the shift from local businesses to high-end retailers to show how South Congress is losing its unique charm. The rhetorical use of pathos helps listeners understand the loss of authenticity, urging them to consider the consequences of gentrification. Through a reflective tone, I engage both residents and potential stakeholders, by making them feel responsible for protecting Austin’s image and culture before it’s erased.

A lifelong Austin resident shares her opinion on the cultural shift in the city. Including her voice adds authenticity and emotional appeal, which allows listeners to hear directly from someone who has seen these changes. This personal statement and conversational tone can strengthen the podcast’s connection to the audience, especially long-time residents who may share the same opinion.

Going beyond Austin and connecting research done by a team who focused on gentrification in cities Charlotte, Phoenix, and Seattle: Sukaryavichute and their team's research shows similar gentrification patterns in Charlotte, Phoenix, and Seattle. By combining personal experiences with observational evidence, this part of my podcast uses logos and ethos to build credibility helping listeners understand this is a widespread issue, not just a local one. This also can attract and engage a broader audience.

Connecting Jessica Ferm's research to this topic: Jessica Ferm highlights how policymakers fail to address the negative effects of gentrification. This quote strengthens my podcast’s credibility and encourages listeners to question what the local government may be hiding. The serious tone emphasizes the disconnect between local government and community impact, aiming to engage concerned residents and prompt community involvement.

Consequences: This part highlights the long-term consequences if no action is taken, warning that South Congress could lose its identity just like the cities of Charlotte and Seattle. By blending emotional appeal with research, my podcast strengthens its argument and encourages listeners to take this issue seriously.

“Before vs. Now” photo collage

Sharing personal example of the area

NLIHC Chart (Chart 01 and Chart 02)

Policy recommendations and required backed up by examples from other cities.

Local business protection and personal memories (D.C. business grant)

The downsides of gentrification explain why the problem needs to be solved, because of reasons such as displacement, harm on families, connect to Pathos, as the audience sympathize with residents facing these issues

Sad music that relates to pathos, as the viewers listen to the sorrowful music while understanding the struggles of the families, the effect of Pathos will be enhanced

Discuss prescedence of the solution working, this is a strong expression of Ethos, the prescendence will allow the audience to think the solution's credibility

Argument of economy growing, this is a use of Logos, as the audience will have the tendency to believe that it might be reasonable for gentrification to happen as it is good for the economy

Homes are getting more expensive and long-term residents are being kicked out.

It's not just about buildings but about jobs, churches, and communities too.

Explanation of how and why a CLT will work.

Examples of where CLT's have worked before.

Example of a CLT already in Austin.

The possibility of a CLT is in the hands of the city.

From a logistical and equality standpoint, CLT's are the solution.

This is about justice for the residents of Austin.

Describing the housing crisis in specific cities brings upon the sense of urgency to audience.

Drawbacks of rent control creates a sense of credibility as different viewpoints are addressed.

By providing a logical approach to gentrification, it evokes logos and highlights the need for policy.

Providing real world applications of rent control and its effects emphasizes the speaker's credibility.

Highlighting that we need to preserve the communities that are being pushed out promotes a sympathetic tone amongst the audience.

Hey everyone. Thanks for being here. Today, I want to discuss something that I find extremely important. We talk about it, it is an issue that has been overlooked, so I am here to change that. Today I will be talking about South Congress Avenue. If you live in Austin or have spent any time around here, you know the area, and you already know it's not just another street. It has always had its own culture. Live music, local artists, taco trucks, vintage stores, families walking around, small businesses that have been there forever.

It's always been one of those places that make a city feel unique, in this case Austin. But lately, it's started to change significantly. You walk down South Congress now and you still see some of the old spots, but they're surrounded by luxury apartments, high-end chain stores, and places clearly designed for tourists. I use a personal and honest tone to connect with people who know Austin, building trust while showing how South Congress has shifted from a unique, local space to something more commercial.

It feels like the neighborhood is shifting from being a place people live and build lives in to a place people visit and spend money. And this isn't just about a couple of new stores or buildings being created. What's happening on South Congress is part of a bigger issue, and that issue is gentrification. That's exactly the reason why, today, I want to break down what gentrification actually means, how it's showing up on South Congress, and what Austin can do to address it in a fair way. So let's start with the basics. Gentrification occurs when a neighborhood begins to attract wealthier people, and as a result of that, prices increase.

That might sound simple, but the impact is complicated. The people who already live there, often working-class families, people of color, and older residents, find themselves priced out. Rent goes up. Property taxes go up. Small businesses can't afford their leases anymore. So even though the neighborhood might look “nicer” on the surface. I explain gentrification in a way that's clear and easy to follow, while also using emotion and real-life examples to show why this issue matters and how it's changing South Congress for the people who live there.

It's coming at the cost of the people who built that community in the first place. That's exactly what's happening on South Congress. It was once a working-class neighborhood with deep ties to Austin's Black and Latino communities. It was full of local businesses, affordable rent, and longtime residents who had been there for decades. But as Austin has grown, so has the pressure to develop. The city's booming, real estate prices are rising fast, and South Congress has become one of the most desirable areas in town. That makes it a target for investors and developers. They're buying up property, renovating buildings, and marketing the area to people with more money.

And while that might bring money into the local economy, it's also pushing out the people who made the neighborhood what it is. That's what gentrification does. It replaces real community with something more polished but less personal. The Liberator explains this clearly. I use a clear and personal tone to show how gentrification on South Congress is not just about development but about pushing out the Black, Latino, and working class communities who built the area, turning a once genuine neighborhood into something more polished but less meaningful.

Booe and Lippman state that "The neighborhood's culture is being erased as higher-income people replace working-class residents and as businesses cater more to tourists than locals." And when you walk down South Congress now, you can see exactly what they're talking about. You still hear music, you still see some color, but the feeling has shifted. It has become more commercial. It's essential to note that change itself is not the enemy. Cities are always going to evolve. People move, businesses open and close, and development happens. But the question is who that change is for. Is it for the people who already live there? Or is it just for outsiders with more money?

Right now, the way things are going, it's clear that the changes on South Congress are not really being made with long-term residents in mind.And the reason this matters isn't just because it's unfair. It also damages the city's identity. Austin is known for its creativity and its culture, I bring in outside sources and personal observation to show that the changes on South Congress are not just physical but cultural, and I ask who these changes are really serving to make it clear that the city's growth is coming at the cost of its identity and longtime residents.

But when we let gentrification erase the communities that built that culture, we lose more than just old buildings. We lose people, stories, and connection. The Guardian, one of the sources, stated “Without strong, targeted policies, the damage from gentrification is often irreversible, leaving cities more unequal and culturally sterile.” So what can be done? In my Project 3, I argued for two main policy approaches. First is rent control. Second is anti-displacement support for local businesses and homeowners.

Let's talk about rent control. It's not some radical concept. It's just a way to limit how much a landlord can increase rent in a year. That gives people a little more stability. It makes it harder for sudden price hikes to displace people from their homes. I combine emotional appeal with evidence and a clear call to action by showing how gentrification erases not just places but people and culture, then shift into a solutions-based approach using my own research and credible sources to argue for fairer housing policies like rent control.

Those opposed to rent control argue that it discourages developers or leads to poorer housing conditions. However, that's not necessarily true if the policy is well-designed and effectively enforced. As Dorazio at the Center for American Progress explains, “Localized rent control efforts can help reduce displacement without halting all new development.” So it's not either-or. We can have growth and still protect residents. Rent control helps people stay. That's what matters. But even rent control won't solve everything. That's why we also need anti-displacement policies.

That means creating programs that support local business owners, especially those who've been serving the community for years. It also means protecting homeowners from rising property taxes, offering grants to renters, and ensuring tenants are aware of their rights. To put this into perspective, I respond to common counterarguments with evidence and logic, showing that rent control can work alongside development, and I expand the solution by pushing for anti-displacement policies that focus on protecting the people and businesses who make the community feel like home.

Portland has already implemented something similar with its Anti-Displacement Action Plan. They offer rent assistance, repair grants, and support for community organizations. They didn't stop development. They just made it more balanced. This could be established in Austin. There are also other ideas we should explore, such as inclusionary zoning, which would require developers to incorporate affordable housing into new construction, or community land trusts, which can keep housing permanently affordable by removing the land from the market. These solutions already exist. We don't have to invent anything new.

We just have to care enough to use them. Beyond policy, though, this is about values. Do we want to be a city that protects its people, or one that only accommodates wealth? Do we want to preserve what makes Austin what it is? And no, this isn't about being anti-business or anti-growth. I use real examples and practical solutions to show that cities like Portland have already taken steps to balance growth with fairness, and I shift the focus from just policy to values by asking what kind of city we want Austin to be.

It's about recognizing that growth without fairness is just displacement. It's about realizing that culture doesn't come from buildings or branding. It comes from people. And when those people are gone, the culture goes with them. So what does success look like? It's not complicated. If rent prices level off. If local businesses are still there in five years. If the neighborhood still reflects the diversity it always had. If people who grew up near South Congress can afford to stay. That means success. Booe and Lippman say it well: “Preserving the character of South Congress means making room for both growth and tradition.”

That's the balance we should be aiming for. Ultimately, this is about the city's future. South Congress is just one example, but it shows us where things are heading. If we want Austin to stay creative, diverse, and real, we have to act like it. That means policy, support, and intentional choices. Thank you so much for listening. I hope this gave you something to think about. In this last part I put everything back to values and community, using a hopeful but urgent tone to show that real success means keeping South Congress diverse and livable, and I end by encouraging action through clear, simple goals and a reminder that the future of Austin depends on the choices we make now.

Hello everyone! Welcome to Austin Avengers, a podcast where we will talk about the real issues reshaping our city and the people at the center of it. My name is Noah, and today we’re diving into a conversation that’s long overdue: gentrification in South and East Austin, and how we can actually fight back and slow it down with policy. If you’ve lived in Austin for a while, you’ve seen the change: once-affordable, vibrant neighborhoods are now dotted with luxury highrises and high-end brunch spots. I know I have, I’ve lived in South Austin my entire life. South and East Austin neighborhoods once known for their diversity, creativity, and cultural richness are now barely recognizable. And the people who built that culture? They're being pushed out. Displaced with nowhere to go. - In this introduction, I use my personal experience, inclusive language, and an urgent tone to build credibility and emotionally connect with listeners, setting the stage for a critical conversation about gentrification’s impact on my community.

We need to be brutally honest about what’s happening. Gentrification isn’t just about new coffee shops and cool apartments, it’s about displacement. Families, small businesses, and communities that gave Austin its soul, its entire character, are being pushed out by rising rent and unchecked development. And if we don’t act fast, we’ll lose the very thing that made Austin so special in the first place. - In this part, I use direct, urgent language and strong emotional appeals to emphasize the seriousness of gentrification, challenging listeners to recognize its real consequences and take action before it’s too late.

So here’s what I’m proposing: three clear policies that could help Austin grow without losing its heart. First, we need mandatory affordable housing requirements for new developments. That means every time a developer builds, a portion of those units must be reserved for low- and middle-income residents. Second, we need rent control especially in historically significant neighborhoods that are most at risk in order to protect the culture that they have built over time. And third, we need financial protections for long-standing small businesses, many of which are being priced out of the very communities they helped shape.These aren't radical ideas, they’re common sense. And other cities have done it. The question is: will Austin step up? - In this section, I use a confident and solution-focused tone, supported by clear, practical proposals and rhetorical questions, to persuade the audience that meaningful policy change is both possible and urgently needed in Austin.

This is where my journalist guest from The Daily Texan can weigh in, maybe sharing insight from the UT report or recent coverage on Austin’s affordability crisis. “Joining me now is Diego Hernandez, longtime South Austin resident and journalist from The Daily Texan who has some very useful insights on this topic. Diego, what do you think about the harsh gentrification of East and South Austin, and do you have any opinions on it?” - In this part, I introduce a credible guest speaker to add depth and outside perspective, using their journalistic authority and personal ties to the community to strengthen the conversation’s legitimacy and broaden its appeal.

That really nails it Diego. Gentrification definitely does not affect everyone equally. Studies across the country, and right here in Austin, show that communities of color, especially Black and Latino residents, are hit the hardest. For example, sociologist Jackelyn Hwang’s research from Philadelphia found that Black residents displaced by gentrification were often pushed into even poorer neighborhoods. White residents, meanwhile, had more access to stable, wealthier areas. - In this section, I use expert research and demographic evidence to highlight the racial inequalities of gentrification, appealing to logic and justice to deepen the audience’s understanding of who is most harmed by these changes.

This is the exact situation residents in Austin are facing too. Once again, Austin’s own studies show the same thing: historically Black and Latino neighborhoods, especially in what’s called the “eastern crescent”, are losing their cultural identity at a rapid pace. Additionally, city-funded reports have already warned that without bold policy action, these communities will all disappear altogether, putting Austin’s cultural identity at risk. - In this part, I connect national research to local realities, reinforcing my argument with place-specific evidence and a warning tone to stress the urgency of protecting Austin’s cultural and racial heritage before it’s lost entirely.

Now, some people argue that policies like rent control or affordable housing will scare away developers or hurt the economy. But clearly this is just not true. Cities like New York, San Francisco, and even Portland, have all found ways to balance growth and equity. And Austin? We’re one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Developers aren’t going to pack up just because they’re asked to build responsibly, making this outcome we are searching for very realistic. In fact, Austin has a real opportunity right now. Lawmakers have been discussing changes like reducing minimum lot sizes and expediting permits in order to build more homes faster. But volume alone obviously won’t fix affordability. If we just build more luxury condos, we’re still excluding the people who actually need housing. That’s why affordability must be baked into every part of every growth. - In this conclusion, I directly address counterarguments with evidence from other cities, using logic and a hopeful yet firm tone to argue that responsible development and equity can coexist, and that Austin has both the momentum and responsibility to lead the way.

And also, let’s not forget about small businesses. They’re more than just storefronts, they’re community anchors. Whether it's a family restaurant, vintage shop, or local music venue, these places are what make Austin Austin. With the right support, grants, tax breaks, public-private partnerships, we can help them survive the tough times gentrification has brought about. - In this part, I appeal to shared values and local pride by emphasizing the cultural importance of small businesses, while offering realistic policy solutions to show that preserving Austin’s unique identity is both necessary and achievable.

Long story short this isn’t about stopping development. It’s about steering it. About making sure that our city grows in a way that respects and includes the people who built it. Because, if we let profit drive everything, we’ll wake up one day in an Austin that’s shiny, new, and completely soulless. So what do we do now? We must act. We must speak up.. We must push city officials and developers to commit to affordable housing, rent protections, and cultural preservation. This isn’t just a housing issue, it’s about equity, identity, and the kind of future we want for Austin. Thanks for listening. I’m Noah, and this has been the Austin Avengers. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a neighbor. Talk about it. Bring it to your next city council meeting. Because protecting Austin starts with you. - In this closing, I use a powerful call to action, emotional appeals, and inclusive language to leave the audience with a sense of urgency and responsibility, framing the fight against gentrification as not just a policy issue but a moral one tied to Austin’s future and identity.

Explain gentrification to pao and asked her for any personal encounters.

Pao talks about her families business that was affected by gentrification.

Explaining how that incident affected our community becasue of the lack of things to already do in the valley. Intro to solution and research to support.

Why CLT are important and beneficial to our community and how they can help more than just one persons business.

How college students can benefit from CLT's and both students and community can come together.

Still talking about the CLT's and benefits

Overall summary of the CLT's and benefits. Restating with more info

Closing words and Thank you to pao for joining and thank you to listeners.

A smaller call to action, a shift in tone, that helps to create an urgent feel, that the start of change begins with the communities.

An introduction to both sides of the fight, one that supports gentrification while the other side that fights against it. This allows us to be more credible as we are not kjust focused on one side, and we acknowledged the other side.

Exigence, as someone who benefits from S.M.A.R.T Housing, I am going to be able to conncet with the issue of higher cost due to gentrification lot more.

The problem, Houston struggles with affordability, and with statistics like these, its easy for the reader to undertsand how much we would need a plan like this

The problem, communities like Third Wards population have dropped tremendously due to many factors, but mainly becasue of high prices that must be fought with the proposed plan.

An article from Change.org put it best: “Change starts with a single action. Every voice can make a difference.” The more people we get talking about SMART housing, the more pressure we can put on lawmakers to push for real changes.". This quote pushes for Ethos as its main source but its also very persuasive as its a call to action for the everyday person that reads this.

What is gentrification? We will define gentrification in summary

What is gentrification? We will give the two main sides of gentrification. How some people see it as a good thing while others a bad thing.

Introduction of both Natalies: Natalie Bueno talks about her recent move to Terrel Texas

What are the two projects about gentrification?: Describe what the anti-displacement toolkit is

What are the two projects about gentrification?: Describe what the forwarddallas 2.0 plan is

What are the two projects about gentrification?: compare the both, discuss which one I think is best

Construction audio

So what is gentrification? It's when wealthier people move into mostly affordable neighborhoods—places with culture, history, community, old buildings. long-time residents—especially if they are low-income—are often pushed out. Small businesses are faced with rising rents. And the people who called that place home for years start to feel that the place is becoming unrecognizable to them

It is personal. Because when your hometown doesn't feel like home anymore, what can you do? But here is the truth - gentrification doesn't have to mean displacement. Other cities have come up with better ways to deal with this. There are ways. So, let's discuss a few of these that could work in Sugar Land. First, inclusionary zoning. This is when developers are required to provide a percentage of new housing as affordable. So yes, build that new apartment complex *but make part of it affordable to people already living in this area.* The second solution is community land trusts. These, nonprofit organizations buy land and then keep the land forever for affordable housing. This way, the land truly stays in the community and housing prices don't go way up.

Third, passive renter control and tenant protections. It is important for the policies to limit the rent increase and also protect tenants from being kicked out unjustly. It is about creating stability and power for renters in a market that is frequently hostile, if not completely one-sided, against them.These are not just concepts: they have been shown to work. One example is Columbia Heights in Washington D.C. A historically African American area and adjacent to Howard University. Columbia Heights experienced extreme disinvestment and damage from the MLK riots, which led to City intervention with renewed investment into the area, with several caveats. In contrast to the former issues with rent disinvestment and tenant displacement, the new investment will incorporate incorporate 1) An additional subway stop, 2) units of affordable housing, and 3) funding for nonprofits to develop affordable housing. To this day, Columbia Heights has kept 20% of housing affordable and former tenants now own their own buildings with tenant protections keeping tenants stable amidst the intensifying growth.

Is it flawless? No. We still have cases of displacement. But it demonstrates what is possible when a city tries to develop without losing sight of who is already present.Sure, there will be some that don't agree. Some landlords will state rent control will affect their income or the housing market. Others will claim zoning restrictions are limiting their development opportunities. Yes, those are legitimate concerns. But what is most important—profits or people?Because when push comes to shove, we are talking about people being pushed away from their communities. Their schools. Their churches. Their memories. Their stories. That isn't "progress"; that is loss.So, imagine watching the neighbourhood you live in disappear in front of your eyes. Not overnight, but little by little—year after year—until it becomes unrecognizable

This is not just a Houston or Sugar Land problem. This is happening everywhere. So I challenge you to take a look at your community. Is this happening where you live? If yes, please consider joining a local organization. Speak up at town halls. Chat to your neighbors. Advocate for the policies that protect the people who made your city what it was. Because the future of our hometowns should belong to everyone, not just the people who can afford to move there.

Intro music, establishes a dramatic tone. --- The pathos aspect of this music makes the listener feel that the podcast is important and substantial.

Hello, my name is Sunny Bell, and welcome to another episode of Keepin' Austin Austin. For those of you new to the podcast, this is a place where people who love Austin's unique qualities think about ideas to keep Austin special, even while it is growing like a weed. --- Ethos is used here to establish both the speaker's and the podcast's credibility. This episode is part of an ongoing series, not just a single occasion. The specialization of the podcast on growth issues. contributes ethos to this episode

As you all know, Austin's population is exploding. We're up 30% in the last 10 years, and we've doubled in the last 20. We're always talking on the podcast about where to put all these people. Today, we're going to talk about one particularly difficult group of newcomers, the wealthy ones. ---- This passage uses logos by quoting concrete numbers. It also uses pathos in making the listener imagine the crowding and perhaps having an emotional reaction to wealthy newcomers.

Many of these folks aren't coming here for the Austin vibe, but are here because a company moved their headquarters here. Many don't have any commitment to Keepin' Austin Austin. They show up here with their East Coast, West Coast money and coastal expectations for housing. --- Pathos is at work here identifying the needs of this group of people as a problem and putting them in a negative light.

There's not enough new housing in upscale areas, and that has caused prices to go sky high. They can't afford the best, and there isn't enough of it anyway. This is too bad for them, but unfortunately, their solution is to move into our traditional neighborhoods, many of them low-income, and try to bring them up to their standards. ---- Logos is demonstrated in this passage, setting the causation for the problem presented.

This is a phenomenon identified by Lori Goodman in her research for the Urban Institute. This, my friends, is called gentrification. This process replaces low-income housing with remodeled, expensive luxury. ---- Ethos is utilized here by reference to scholarly articles. There is some logos as well with the definition of gentrification.

The corner barbershop becomes a little lemon, and the community institutions weather under a flood of half-caffeinated lattes. And worst, the existing residents get squeezed out of their own neighborhood. If we want to keep Austin Austin, we've got to find a way to stop this gentrification. --- Pathos is at work here trying to create the emotion of indignation at the unfairness of gentrification.

Let's welcome our newcomers, but put them where they are happiest, among their peers. Don't get me wrong, if someone new wants to live in a traditional neighborhood and loves it for how it is now, that's great, but let's keep out those who just want to destroy and rebuild. Here at Keepin' Austin Austin, we think we have one solution to this problem. --- This passage introduces the logos of the podcast, generally mentioning the podcast's solution. At the same time, it continues to use pathos to disparage the newcomers. The reference to the authority of the podcast inspires ethos.

Let's creatively use City of Austin zoning to address these issues. We will ask that the Planning Department and the Planning Commission consider these proposals and recommend that the City Council of Austin enact them into law. Our plan has two parts. Logos here introduces the argument.

First, we will change zoning to relax restrictions on development in wealthier areas. We will aim for allowing more luxury, high-rise buildings, speeding the approval process for new construction, and rezoning nearby land to allow for an expansion of the rich areas. Then, we will also use zoning to restrict certain types of development in traditional low-income neighborhoods. --- Logos is used here in adding detail to the proposal.

Specifically, we'd forbid developers from making affordable housing into luxury. Let's talk about what zoning is and how the City can use it to implement these policies. According to Kenton, writing in Investopedia, zoning refers to municipal or local laws and regulations that govern how real property can and cannot be used in certain geographic areas. Ethos is used by referring to the published expert's definition. Logos is used in the further advancement of the proposal.

Kenton goes on to explain that municipalities create a master plan and petition the City into neighborhoods and districts. Different rules will apply to different petitions in order to achieve goals such as creating certain types of living space for residents or promoting economic development. A crude example would be that you can't build an oil refinery in a residential neighborhood, but a more subtle example would be that certain neighborhoods are only for single-family homes with yards, not apartment buildings. --- This passage entirely uses logos to give details of how zoning works to provide a foundation for the proposal.

Turning to the City of Austin specifically, the City is divided into what are called base districts. There are 16 of these, which fall into basic categories such as single-family only or medium-density apartments. However, there are huge complexities within this through the use of what are called overlays --- Logos continues to be used in this passage as the general description of zoning is applied to the City of Austin.

These can get quite specific. For example, there is a Capitol View overlay district, which preserves views of the Capitol Dome by limiting the height of buildings along certain corridors. There are also specific overlays to preserve the character of historic districts, such as Aldrich Place, which is north of the University in the City of Austin. Logos continues to be used as the details of how zoning works in Austin are described.

But in practice, the rules are created and defined by the Planning Commission, a pointed group of volunteers, and the Planning Department, a division of the municipal government. We propose that Austin use overlays to selectively relax housing restrictions in some trendy, wealthy districts. This could include allowing more high-rise buildings, speeding the approval process for new constructions, and rezoning nearby land to make it part of the wealthy areas. --- Logos is further used to give details to the plan. This section also uses Ethos, because the legitimacy of the idea is demonstrated by the speaker's deep knowledge of zoning.

But so that these areas stay desirable, the City can, in effect, require that only new upscale housing be allowed. This can be achieved by, for example, requiring a certain size floor plan for new apartments. Even specific materials for construction and faucets could create more of the type of housing that would attract the wealthy newcomers. -- This section is entirely focused on logos as more details of the proposal are presented.

With more of this housing available, prices would be less likely to spiral out of control. The other part of my proposal is to make novel use of overlays to protect the low-income nature of certain existing traditional neighborhoods. This is turning traditional zoning on its head by using protections normally deployed in the service of the privileged to benefit the underprivileged. --- This section uses further logos to further describe the proposal. In addition, there is an element of ethos involved because the assertion of novelty implies that the speaker has expertise in the subject.

To support my point, Austin already has embraced this approach, in certain ways through the creation of a category called Homestead Preservation Districts, as described by the Mount Bonnell Project. But this has only happened in one place in East Austin, and was narrow in its goals, as described by the City on its website. My proposal aims for the broader use of Homestead Preservation Districts. --- This section entirely relies on logos in describing the context for the proposal.

In this part of my proposal, zoning would be deployed to significantly limit the expansion of housing stock in traditional neighborhoods. By restricting growth, there wouldn't be enough places for the wealthy newcomers to live, even if they wanted to. --- This passage continues to use the logos to describe the proposal and then use logos in another way to make a logical argument to support the proposal.

However, there is a potential pitfall here. Fewer apartments that are harder to find could create scarcity that makes traditional low-income housing more so often, and even more expensive once they are remodeled into luxury. We propose to attack this problem by limiting the ability of developers and new residents to make existing rental units more upscale and desirable. Nothing can be built in Austin without a building permit that describes the work and the cost of the work. The City could set a limit on how much you could spend upgrading apartments and avoid these pitfalls. --- Logos is deployed here to highlight a possible problem and then demonstrate the proposal has a solution. This also invokes this because the speaker is shown to have carefully thought through the implications of the proposal and therefore the speaker has more credibility.

But hey, we know these proposals may not work for a lot of reasons, but let's try to use zoning overlays and building permits to fix this. We here at Keep an Austin Austin are always optimistic that we can keep the vibe, no matter how many people move here. --- This section uses logos in a different way, using logic to describe some reasons why the proposal may not work. Showing that the proposal may not work is using ethos to bolster the credibility of the speaker because she has thought through various scenarios and has a real-world practical approach. It also has pathos in that it tries to affect the emotions of the listener and have them feel upbeat.

This is Sunny Bell, and that's all for this time. Hit that subscribe button so you can be the first to know about the next one. Thank you. --- This conclusion uses ethos to further bolster the speaker's credibility because this podcast is part of a series that is concentrated on topics related to this proposal.

Here, the definition of the term 'gentrification'. While the term has gained generic popularity in modern times, using Whitman's quote, we can assume that urban renewal worked independently wherever there was a city.

Here, the definition of the term 'rhetoric'. We introduce the idea with several of the class' discussion post ideas from the beginning of the year, in response the question "what is rhetoric?". In this case, we hadn't learned the academic definitions yet.

Jodie Nicotra provides the academic definition of 'rhetoric'. In many ways, rhetoric acts in a set of modes- here, one audio, one writing. This annotation is a mode- this audio is another.

Rhetoric surrounding gentrification has becomes outdated- referencing Eliot Tretter's article, we have approached our understanding of rhetoric in the same way for decades. Why shouldn't there be a resurgence?

Gentrification is a long-standing topic of debate, and, as proven in Whitman's writing, one that exists to persist. How can we change something which has continued to persist throughout time, and which acts not only as an antagonist but a catalyst for modern change?

Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote arises from a sermon he made at Columbia University, which presses that change requires action in order to occur.

There are several downsides to organised virality- and many past examples of attempts at virality that didn't work out. Unorganised virality, however, can have it's own downsides. In this case, we aim to find the true benefit of virality.

Virality is good for one thing- making people pay attention. Through attention, discourse is inevitable- meaning that if we approach revitalizing gentrification rhetoric with care, there is potential to increase discourse. Here, we approach these concerns with a proposal with outlined rules to minimise unintentional pain.

We end on closing statements. With our generation of youth, we have the potential to create real change. And, even more so, through methods only our generation are fully familiar with.

Introducing the Nuanced Solution: Community-Focused TOD

Addressing Potential Objections & Conclusion

Thesis: How introducing a bill to protect local businesses from being displaced is a step toward preserving Austin’s history, culture, and community. The part of the podcast emphasizes the importance of supporting local shops while recognizing the value of growth, encouraging listeners to see that both local shops and high-end retailers can coexist. Through a calm and informative tone, I aim to persuade without alienating those who support new development.

Proposal: Encouraging both new and long-time residents to get involved through community-led engagement like petitions and city council meetings. By directly addressing this issue, it invites listeners to see themselves as active participants in change, not just bystanders. My proposal helps engage the audience, especially stakeholders who care about preserving Austin’s local identity while still encouraging growth.

Counterargument: Acknowledging the opposing views shows that concerns about economic growth and development are valid. I'm able to present a balanced argument that respects the perspectives of developers and residents while still reinforcing why local businesses must be included in Austin's growth and development. This counterargument appeals to a wide range of stakeholders from landlords to longtime community members.

Conclusion: Restating my thesis that gentrification is threatening Austin’s cultural identity, and proposing a bill as a solution, serves as a call to action. This shows how the bill could help protect local businesses and preserve the city's culture and image. The conclusion helps the audience understand what’s truly at stake and why it's so important to not only protect these local businesses but also maintain Austin’s culture.

Sharing personal example of the area

Policy recommendations and required backed up by examples from other cities.

East Austin mural “Let’s build a future that includes everyone.”

Introduction music, a calm and chilly vibe that allows the reader to be ready for the podcast

Self intro, who am I, what is this podcast about and what are we talking about in this specific episode

Introduction to the problem, what is gentrification, and that it is a very common issue, first talk about the upside of gentrification, what good does it bring

The downsides of gentrification explain why the problem needs to be solved, because of reasons such as displacement, harm on families, connect to Pathos, as the audience sympathize with residents facing these issues

Present solution, where a Housing Assitance Program is created, to provide stipend for renters qualified, which means they must make wages below a certain point

Discuss prescedence of the solution working, this is a strong expression of Ethos, the prescendence will allow the audience to think the solution's credibility

Explain why it matters to stand up and show support for anti-gentrification efforts, why there needs to be a solution, this acts as a conclusion to the video

Examples of where CLT's have worked before.

Example of a CLT already in Austin.

From a logistical and equality standpoint, CLT's are the solution.

This is about justice for the residents of Austin.

Solution to high rent prices emphasizes that there is hope and audience can help with taking action. Shaw, Jonathan D., Juan G. Restrepo, and Nancy Rodríguez. A Dynamical System Model of Gentrification: Exploring a Simple Rent Control Strategy. arXiv, 17 June 2024, https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.09723.

Study that showed rent control reduced displacement motivates the audience to join the movement. Kholodilin, Konstantin A. "Rent Control Effects through the Lens of Empirical Research." Journal of Housing Economics, vol. 63, Mar. 2024, p. 101983. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhe.2024.101983.

Drawbacks of rent control creates a sense of credibility as different viewpoints are addressed.

Providing real world applications of rent control and its effects emphasizes the speaker's credibility.

Clear call to action and motivates the audience to help immediately.

Hey everyone. Thanks for being here. Today, I want to discuss something that I find extremely important. We talk about it, it is an issue that has been overlooked, so I am here to change that. Today I will be talking about South Congress Avenue. If you live in Austin or have spent any time around here, you know the area, and you already know it's not just another street. It has always had its own culture. Live music, local artists, taco trucks, vintage stores, families walking around, small businesses that have been there forever.

It's always been one of those places that make a city feel unique, in this case Austin. But lately, it's started to change significantly. You walk down South Congress now and you still see some of the old spots, but they're surrounded by luxury apartments, high-end chain stores, and places clearly designed for tourists. I use a personal and honest tone to connect with people who know Austin, building trust while showing how South Congress has shifted from a unique, local space to something more commercial.

Booe and Lippman state that "The neighborhood's culture is being erased as higher-income people replace working-class residents and as businesses cater more to tourists than locals." And when you walk down South Congress now, you can see exactly what they're talking about. You still hear music, you still see some color, but the feeling has shifted. It has become more commercial. It's essential to note that change itself is not the enemy. Cities are always going to evolve. People move, businesses open and close, and development happens. But the question is who that change is for. Is it for the people who already live there? Or is it just for outsiders with more money?

Right now, the way things are going, it's clear that the changes on South Congress are not really being made with long-term residents in mind.And the reason this matters isn't just because it's unfair. It also damages the city's identity. Austin is known for its creativity and its culture, I bring in outside sources and personal observation to show that the changes on South Congress are not just physical but cultural, and I ask who these changes are really serving to make it clear that the city's growth is coming at the cost of its identity and longtime residents.

Those opposed to rent control argue that it discourages developers or leads to poorer housing conditions. However, that's not necessarily true if the policy is well-designed and effectively enforced. As Dorazio at the Center for American Progress explains, “Localized rent control efforts can help reduce displacement without halting all new development.” So it's not either-or. We can have growth and still protect residents. Rent control helps people stay. That's what matters. But even rent control won't solve everything. That's why we also need anti-displacement policies.

That means creating programs that support local business owners, especially those who've been serving the community for years. It also means protecting homeowners from rising property taxes, offering grants to renters, and ensuring tenants are aware of their rights. To put this into perspective, I respond to common counterarguments with evidence and logic, showing that rent control can work alongside development, and I expand the solution by pushing for anti-displacement policies that focus on protecting the people and businesses who make the community feel like home.

Hello everyone! Welcome to Austin Avengers, a podcast where we will talk about the real issues reshaping our city and the people at the center of it. My name is Noah, and today we’re diving into a conversation that’s long overdue: gentrification in South and East Austin, and how we can actually fight back and slow it down with policy. If you’ve lived in Austin for a while, you’ve seen the change: once-affordable, vibrant neighborhoods are now dotted with luxury highrises and high-end brunch spots. I know I have, I’ve lived in South Austin my entire life. South and East Austin neighborhoods once known for their diversity, creativity, and cultural richness are now barely recognizable. And the people who built that culture? They're being pushed out. Displaced with nowhere to go. - In this introduction, I use my personal experience, inclusive language, and an urgent tone to build credibility and emotionally connect with listeners, setting the stage for a critical conversation about gentrification’s impact on my community.

We need to be brutally honest about what’s happening. Gentrification isn’t just about new coffee shops and cool apartments, it’s about displacement. Families, small businesses, and communities that gave Austin its soul, its entire character, are being pushed out by rising rent and unchecked development. And if we don’t act fast, we’ll lose the very thing that made Austin so special in the first place. - In this part, I use direct, urgent language and strong emotional appeals to emphasize the seriousness of gentrification, challenging listeners to recognize its real consequences and take action before it’s too late.

And also, let’s not forget about small businesses. They’re more than just storefronts, they’re community anchors. Whether it's a family restaurant, vintage shop, or local music venue, these places are what make Austin Austin. With the right support, grants, tax breaks, public-private partnerships, we can help them survive the tough times gentrification has brought about. - In this part, I appeal to shared values and local pride by emphasizing the cultural importance of small businesses, while offering realistic policy solutions to show that preserving Austin’s unique identity is both necessary and achievable.

Long story short this isn’t about stopping development. It’s about steering it. About making sure that our city grows in a way that respects and includes the people who built it. Because, if we let profit drive everything, we’ll wake up one day in an Austin that’s shiny, new, and completely soulless. So what do we do now? We must act. We must speak up.. We must push city officials and developers to commit to affordable housing, rent protections, and cultural preservation. This isn’t just a housing issue, it’s about equity, identity, and the kind of future we want for Austin. Thanks for listening. I’m Noah, and this has been the Austin Avengers. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a neighbor. Talk about it. Bring it to your next city council meeting. Because protecting Austin starts with you. - In this closing, I use a powerful call to action, emotional appeals, and inclusive language to leave the audience with a sense of urgency and responsibility, framing the fight against gentrification as not just a policy issue but a moral one tied to Austin’s future and identity.

Pao talks about her families business that was affected by gentrification.

Why CLT are important and beneficial to our community and how they can help more than just one persons business.

Only 20% of Americans trust their government, a shocking statistic that shows the how many citizens cannot even rely on the government.

A smaller call to action, a shift in tone, that helps to create an urgent feel, that the start of change begins with the communities.

The problem, Houston struggles with affordability, and with statistics like these, its easy for the reader to undertsand how much we would need a plan like this

"SMART stands for Safe, Mixed-Income, Accessible, Reasonably-Priced, and Transit-Oriented housing. It’s housing built for those who are lower income as a way to provide lower housing prices, decrease homelessness, and promote diversity and population growth.". This portion of text explains what SMART housing is, and what it stands for, as well as introducing the main stakeholders and audience for this podcast.

"Local and Federal governments can offer things like tax breaks, fee waivers, or density bonuses, which allow developers to build more units or save money if they include affordable housing in their projects. It's a win-win for the government if they lower homelessness at the same time.". This gives the call to action for politicians as well as shows the true message that we want to get across through this.

Opinions: Both Bueno and Garcia will share their opinions on the projects and we will continue to talk about the one we think is better.

It is personal. Because when your hometown doesn't feel like home anymore, what can you do? But here is the truth - gentrification doesn't have to mean displacement. Other cities have come up with better ways to deal with this. There are ways. So, let's discuss a few of these that could work in Sugar Land. First, inclusionary zoning. This is when developers are required to provide a percentage of new housing as affordable. So yes, build that new apartment complex *but make part of it affordable to people already living in this area.* The second solution is community land trusts. These, nonprofit organizations buy land and then keep the land forever for affordable housing. This way, the land truly stays in the community and housing prices don't go way up.

Is it flawless? No. We still have cases of displacement. But it demonstrates what is possible when a city tries to develop without losing sight of who is already present.Sure, there will be some that don't agree. Some landlords will state rent control will affect their income or the housing market. Others will claim zoning restrictions are limiting their development opportunities. Yes, those are legitimate concerns. But what is most important—profits or people?Because when push comes to shove, we are talking about people being pushed away from their communities. Their schools. Their churches. Their memories. Their stories. That isn't "progress"; that is loss.So, imagine watching the neighbourhood you live in disappear in front of your eyes. Not overnight, but little by little—year after year—until it becomes unrecognizable

Hello, my name is Sunny Bell, and welcome to another episode of Keepin' Austin Austin. For those of you new to the podcast, this is a place where people who love Austin's unique qualities think about ideas to keep Austin special, even while it is growing like a weed. --- Ethos is used here to establish both the speaker's and the podcast's credibility. This episode is part of an ongoing series, not just a single occasion. The specialization of the podcast on growth issues. contributes ethos to this episode

Many of these folks aren't coming here for the Austin vibe, but are here because a company moved their headquarters here. Many don't have any commitment to Keepin' Austin Austin. They show up here with their East Coast, West Coast money and coastal expectations for housing. --- Pathos is at work here identifying the needs of this group of people as a problem and putting them in a negative light.

They want high-end luxury, and they think it will be cheaper than where they came from. Bad news for them. It was cheaper here, but as we all know, it's not cheap anymore. --- This passage continues the pathos of negativity towards the newcomers. There is also an element of logos with comparisons of housing costs.

The corner barbershop becomes a little lemon, and the community institutions weather under a flood of half-caffeinated lattes. And worst, the existing residents get squeezed out of their own neighborhood. If we want to keep Austin Austin, we've got to find a way to stop this gentrification. --- Pathos is at work here trying to create the emotion of indignation at the unfairness of gentrification.

Let's welcome our newcomers, but put them where they are happiest, among their peers. Don't get me wrong, if someone new wants to live in a traditional neighborhood and loves it for how it is now, that's great, but let's keep out those who just want to destroy and rebuild. Here at Keepin' Austin Austin, we think we have one solution to this problem. --- This passage introduces the logos of the podcast, generally mentioning the podcast's solution. At the same time, it continues to use pathos to disparage the newcomers. The reference to the authority of the podcast inspires ethos.

Let's creatively use City of Austin zoning to address these issues. We will ask that the Planning Department and the Planning Commission consider these proposals and recommend that the City Council of Austin enact them into law. Our plan has two parts. Logos here introduces the argument.

First, we will change zoning to relax restrictions on development in wealthier areas. We will aim for allowing more luxury, high-rise buildings, speeding the approval process for new construction, and rezoning nearby land to allow for an expansion of the rich areas. Then, we will also use zoning to restrict certain types of development in traditional low-income neighborhoods. --- Logos is used here in adding detail to the proposal.

Specifically, we'd forbid developers from making affordable housing into luxury. Let's talk about what zoning is and how the City can use it to implement these policies. According to Kenton, writing in Investopedia, zoning refers to municipal or local laws and regulations that govern how real property can and cannot be used in certain geographic areas. Ethos is used by referring to the published expert's definition. Logos is used in the further advancement of the proposal.

Kenton goes on to explain that municipalities create a master plan and petition the City into neighborhoods and districts. Different rules will apply to different petitions in order to achieve goals such as creating certain types of living space for residents or promoting economic development. A crude example would be that you can't build an oil refinery in a residential neighborhood, but a more subtle example would be that certain neighborhoods are only for single-family homes with yards, not apartment buildings. --- This passage entirely uses logos to give details of how zoning works to provide a foundation for the proposal.

Turning to the City of Austin specifically, the City is divided into what are called base districts. There are 16 of these, which fall into basic categories such as single-family only or medium-density apartments. However, there are huge complexities within this through the use of what are called overlays --- Logos continues to be used in this passage as the general description of zoning is applied to the City of Austin.

These can get quite specific. For example, there is a Capitol View overlay district, which preserves views of the Capitol Dome by limiting the height of buildings along certain corridors. There are also specific overlays to preserve the character of historic districts, such as Aldrich Place, which is north of the University in the City of Austin. Logos continues to be used as the details of how zoning works in Austin are described.

But in practice, the rules are created and defined by the Planning Commission, a pointed group of volunteers, and the Planning Department, a division of the municipal government. We propose that Austin use overlays to selectively relax housing restrictions in some trendy, wealthy districts. This could include allowing more high-rise buildings, speeding the approval process for new constructions, and rezoning nearby land to make it part of the wealthy areas. --- Logos is further used to give details to the plan. This section also uses Ethos, because the legitimacy of the idea is demonstrated by the speaker's deep knowledge of zoning.

But so that these areas stay desirable, the City can, in effect, require that only new upscale housing be allowed. This can be achieved by, for example, requiring a certain size floor plan for new apartments. Even specific materials for construction and faucets could create more of the type of housing that would attract the wealthy newcomers. -- This section is entirely focused on logos as more details of the proposal are presented.

With more of this housing available, prices would be less likely to spiral out of control. The other part of my proposal is to make novel use of overlays to protect the low-income nature of certain existing traditional neighborhoods. This is turning traditional zoning on its head by using protections normally deployed in the service of the privileged to benefit the underprivileged. --- This section uses further logos to further describe the proposal. In addition, there is an element of ethos involved because the assertion of novelty implies that the speaker has expertise in the subject.

To support my point, Austin already has embraced this approach, in certain ways through the creation of a category called Homestead Preservation Districts, as described by the Mount Bonnell Project. But this has only happened in one place in East Austin, and was narrow in its goals, as described by the City on its website. My proposal aims for the broader use of Homestead Preservation Districts. --- This section entirely relies on logos in describing the context for the proposal.

In this part of my proposal, zoning would be deployed to significantly limit the expansion of housing stock in traditional neighborhoods. By restricting growth, there wouldn't be enough places for the wealthy newcomers to live, even if they wanted to. --- This passage continues to use the logos to describe the proposal and then use logos in another way to make a logical argument to support the proposal.

However, there is a potential pitfall here. Fewer apartments that are harder to find could create scarcity that makes traditional low-income housing more so often, and even more expensive once they are remodeled into luxury. We propose to attack this problem by limiting the ability of developers and new residents to make existing rental units more upscale and desirable. Nothing can be built in Austin without a building permit that describes the work and the cost of the work. The City could set a limit on how much you could spend upgrading apartments and avoid these pitfalls. --- Logos is deployed here to highlight a possible problem and then demonstrate the proposal has a solution. This also invokes this because the speaker is shown to have carefully thought through the implications of the proposal and therefore the speaker has more credibility.

Rhetoric surrounding gentrification has becomes outdated- referencing Eliot Tretter's article, we have approached our understanding of rhetoric in the same way for decades. Why shouldn't there be a resurgence?

Gentrification is a long-standing topic of debate, and, as proven in Whitman's writing, one that exists to persist. How can we change something which has continued to persist throughout time, and which acts not only as an antagonist but a catalyst for modern change?

Acknowledging the Counter-Argument, Presents the opposing viewpoint, appealing to Logos and acknowledging the economic benefits often cited by Stakeholders.

Detailing Implementation Strategies

Addressing Potential Objections & Conclusion

Local businesses having to face rising rent costs: Explains how the rising cost of living in South Congress is displacing both small businesses and long-time residents, showing how the economy and cultural loss are connected. This helps listeners see the broader impact of gentrification on the entire community, emphasizing the urgency of the issue. This encourages both residents and policymakers to consider what’s really at stake when rents start to rise.

The relationship between local businesses and long-time residents:Highlighting the emotional and cultural value of small businesses by emphasizing how much they provide to the community and the personal connections they’ve built. By using pathos, it helps listeners understand that losing these businesses is about more than economic problems, it’s about originality and belonging. This connection resonates with long-time residents and anyone who values Austin's culture and community.

The good and bad things about new high-end retailers: The complexity of gentrification shows how new businesses bring economic benefits but also contribute to displacement. This approach appeals to a broader audience by recognizing multiple sides of this issue. As well as encouraging listeners to consider the social cost of economic development.

City planners and local government: Addressing city planners and government officials directly shows how their decisions can shape the future of Austin’s identity. By contrasting two possible outcomes, it persuades listeners to care more about policy choices. This encourages community engagement, urging local leaders and community members to take action before Austin loses its unique history, culture, and image.

Counterargument: Acknowledging the opposing views shows that concerns about economic growth and development are valid. I'm able to present a balanced argument that respects the perspectives of developers and residents while still reinforcing why local businesses must be included in Austin's growth and development. This counterargument appeals to a wide range of stakeholders from landlords to longtime community members.

“Before vs. Now” photo collage

Highlighting CoUrbanize example and emphasizing community voice

demonstrate counter argument

The possibility of a CLT is in the hands of the city.

CLT's are like a group project, everyone needs to chip in their fair share.

Highlighting that we need to preserve the communities that are being pushed out promotes a sympathetic tone amongst the audience.

Hey everyone. Thanks for being here. Today, I want to discuss something that I find extremely important. We talk about it, it is an issue that has been overlooked, so I am here to change that. Today I will be talking about South Congress Avenue. If you live in Austin or have spent any time around here, you know the area, and you already know it's not just another street. It has always had its own culture. Live music, local artists, taco trucks, vintage stores, families walking around, small businesses that have been there forever.

It's always been one of those places that make a city feel unique, in this case Austin. But lately, it's started to change significantly. You walk down South Congress now and you still see some of the old spots, but they're surrounded by luxury apartments, high-end chain stores, and places clearly designed for tourists. I use a personal and honest tone to connect with people who know Austin, building trust while showing how South Congress has shifted from a unique, local space to something more commercial.

Those opposed to rent control argue that it discourages developers or leads to poorer housing conditions. However, that's not necessarily true if the policy is well-designed and effectively enforced. As Dorazio at the Center for American Progress explains, “Localized rent control efforts can help reduce displacement without halting all new development.” So it's not either-or. We can have growth and still protect residents. Rent control helps people stay. That's what matters. But even rent control won't solve everything. That's why we also need anti-displacement policies.

That means creating programs that support local business owners, especially those who've been serving the community for years. It also means protecting homeowners from rising property taxes, offering grants to renters, and ensuring tenants are aware of their rights. To put this into perspective, I respond to common counterarguments with evidence and logic, showing that rent control can work alongside development, and I expand the solution by pushing for anti-displacement policies that focus on protecting the people and businesses who make the community feel like home.

Portland has already implemented something similar with its Anti-Displacement Action Plan. They offer rent assistance, repair grants, and support for community organizations. They didn't stop development. They just made it more balanced. This could be established in Austin. There are also other ideas we should explore, such as inclusionary zoning, which would require developers to incorporate affordable housing into new construction, or community land trusts, which can keep housing permanently affordable by removing the land from the market. These solutions already exist. We don't have to invent anything new.

We just have to care enough to use them. Beyond policy, though, this is about values. Do we want to be a city that protects its people, or one that only accommodates wealth? Do we want to preserve what makes Austin what it is? And no, this isn't about being anti-business or anti-growth. I use real examples and practical solutions to show that cities like Portland have already taken steps to balance growth with fairness, and I shift the focus from just policy to values by asking what kind of city we want Austin to be.

Hello everyone! Welcome to Austin Avengers, a podcast where we will talk about the real issues reshaping our city and the people at the center of it. My name is Noah, and today we’re diving into a conversation that’s long overdue: gentrification in South and East Austin, and how we can actually fight back and slow it down with policy. If you’ve lived in Austin for a while, you’ve seen the change: once-affordable, vibrant neighborhoods are now dotted with luxury highrises and high-end brunch spots. I know I have, I’ve lived in South Austin my entire life. South and East Austin neighborhoods once known for their diversity, creativity, and cultural richness are now barely recognizable. And the people who built that culture? They're being pushed out. Displaced with nowhere to go. - In this introduction, I use my personal experience, inclusive language, and an urgent tone to build credibility and emotionally connect with listeners, setting the stage for a critical conversation about gentrification’s impact on my community.

We need to be brutally honest about what’s happening. Gentrification isn’t just about new coffee shops and cool apartments, it’s about displacement. Families, small businesses, and communities that gave Austin its soul, its entire character, are being pushed out by rising rent and unchecked development. And if we don’t act fast, we’ll lose the very thing that made Austin so special in the first place. - In this part, I use direct, urgent language and strong emotional appeals to emphasize the seriousness of gentrification, challenging listeners to recognize its real consequences and take action before it’s too late.

So here’s what I’m proposing: three clear policies that could help Austin grow without losing its heart. First, we need mandatory affordable housing requirements for new developments. That means every time a developer builds, a portion of those units must be reserved for low- and middle-income residents. Second, we need rent control especially in historically significant neighborhoods that are most at risk in order to protect the culture that they have built over time. And third, we need financial protections for long-standing small businesses, many of which are being priced out of the very communities they helped shape.These aren't radical ideas, they’re common sense. And other cities have done it. The question is: will Austin step up? - In this section, I use a confident and solution-focused tone, supported by clear, practical proposals and rhetorical questions, to persuade the audience that meaningful policy change is both possible and urgently needed in Austin.

This is where my journalist guest from The Daily Texan can weigh in, maybe sharing insight from the UT report or recent coverage on Austin’s affordability crisis. “Joining me now is Diego Hernandez, longtime South Austin resident and journalist from The Daily Texan who has some very useful insights on this topic. Diego, what do you think about the harsh gentrification of East and South Austin, and do you have any opinions on it?” - In this part, I introduce a credible guest speaker to add depth and outside perspective, using their journalistic authority and personal ties to the community to strengthen the conversation’s legitimacy and broaden its appeal.

This is the exact situation residents in Austin are facing too. Once again, Austin’s own studies show the same thing: historically Black and Latino neighborhoods, especially in what’s called the “eastern crescent”, are losing their cultural identity at a rapid pace. Additionally, city-funded reports have already warned that without bold policy action, these communities will all disappear altogether, putting Austin’s cultural identity at risk. - In this part, I connect national research to local realities, reinforcing my argument with place-specific evidence and a warning tone to stress the urgency of protecting Austin’s cultural and racial heritage before it’s lost entirely.

And also, let’s not forget about small businesses. They’re more than just storefronts, they’re community anchors. Whether it's a family restaurant, vintage shop, or local music venue, these places are what make Austin Austin. With the right support, grants, tax breaks, public-private partnerships, we can help them survive the tough times gentrification has brought about. - In this part, I appeal to shared values and local pride by emphasizing the cultural importance of small businesses, while offering realistic policy solutions to show that preserving Austin’s unique identity is both necessary and achievable.

Explain gentrification to pao and asked her for any personal encounters.

Explaining how that incident affected our community becasue of the lack of things to already do in the valley. Intro to solution and research to support.

How college students can benefit from CLT's and both students and community can come together.

Paos response to my solution and how students can get involved with their community.

Still talking about the CLT's and benefits

A third of neighborhoods are at risk to displacement. A crazy statistic that revelas the disparity of this issue, and hopefully the reader can view this in shock.

The statistic discussing the median household price in Austin increasing allows the reader to understand that this is an on going issue. Displacement number 1 reason of happening is due to high housing prices.

Only 20% of Americans trust their government, a shocking statistic that shows the how many citizens cannot even rely on the government.

"This is gentrification in real time, and it’s displacing people every single day. But we have a secret weapon called SMART housing.". This explains the exigence of the podcast as it shows the issue of displacement and the solution of SMART housing being used to combat it.

"SMART stands for Safe, Mixed-Income, Accessible, Reasonably-Priced, and Transit-Oriented housing. It’s housing built for those who are lower income as a way to provide lower housing prices, decrease homelessness, and promote diversity and population growth.". This portion of text explains what SMART housing is, and what it stands for, as well as introducing the main stakeholders and audience for this podcast.

"Rents go up. Property taxes skyrocket. Local businesses get wiped out and replaced with luxury apartments or chain stores. And just like that, the neighborhood changes, and with that, it loses the culture and what made it special.". This helps us to focus on the communities being affected as well as using ethos while talking about the loss of culture coming with gentrification.

Describes personal history with Lockhart and establishes emotional connection; starts introducing the idea that changes are happening.

Describes subtle signs of gentrification.

Discusses influx of new residents from Austin and economic pressure leading to cultural displacement.

Talks about rising taxes, generational families struggling to hold onto land, and the emotional impact of selling farms.

It is personal. Because when your hometown doesn't feel like home anymore, what can you do? But here is the truth - gentrification doesn't have to mean displacement. Other cities have come up with better ways to deal with this. There are ways. So, let's discuss a few of these that could work in Sugar Land. First, inclusionary zoning. This is when developers are required to provide a percentage of new housing as affordable. So yes, build that new apartment complex *but make part of it affordable to people already living in this area.* The second solution is community land trusts. These, nonprofit organizations buy land and then keep the land forever for affordable housing. This way, the land truly stays in the community and housing prices don't go way up.

Because at the end of the day, we’re talking about people being pushed out of the communities they love. Their schools. Their churches. Their memories. Their stories. That’s not just “progress”—that’s loss.

Hello, my name is Sunny Bell, and welcome to another episode of Keepin' Austin Austin. For those of you new to the podcast, this is a place where people who love Austin's unique qualities think about ideas to keep Austin special, even while it is growing like a weed. --- Ethos is used here to establish both the speaker's and the podcast's credibility. This episode is part of an ongoing series, not just a single occasion. The specialization of the podcast on growth issues. contributes ethos to this episode

As you all know, Austin's population is exploding. We're up 30% in the last 10 years, and we've doubled in the last 20. We're always talking on the podcast about where to put all these people. Today, we're going to talk about one particularly difficult group of newcomers, the wealthy ones. ---- This passage uses logos by quoting concrete numbers. It also uses pathos in making the listener imagine the crowding and perhaps having an emotional reaction to wealthy newcomers.

Many of these folks aren't coming here for the Austin vibe, but are here because a company moved their headquarters here. Many don't have any commitment to Keepin' Austin Austin. They show up here with their East Coast, West Coast money and coastal expectations for housing. --- Pathos is at work here identifying the needs of this group of people as a problem and putting them in a negative light.

They want high-end luxury, and they think it will be cheaper than where they came from. Bad news for them. It was cheaper here, but as we all know, it's not cheap anymore. --- This passage continues the pathos of negativity towards the newcomers. There is also an element of logos with comparisons of housing costs.

There's not enough new housing in upscale areas, and that has caused prices to go sky high. They can't afford the best, and there isn't enough of it anyway. This is too bad for them, but unfortunately, their solution is to move into our traditional neighborhoods, many of them low-income, and try to bring them up to their standards. ---- Logos is demonstrated in this passage, setting the causation for the problem presented.

This is a phenomenon identified by Lori Goodman in her research for the Urban Institute. This, my friends, is called gentrification. This process replaces low-income housing with remodeled, expensive luxury. ---- Ethos is utilized here by reference to scholarly articles. There is some logos as well with the definition of gentrification.

The corner barbershop becomes a little lemon, and the community institutions weather under a flood of half-caffeinated lattes. And worst, the existing residents get squeezed out of their own neighborhood. If we want to keep Austin Austin, we've got to find a way to stop this gentrification. --- Pathos is at work here trying to create the emotion of indignation at the unfairness of gentrification.

Let's welcome our newcomers, but put them where they are happiest, among their peers. Don't get me wrong, if someone new wants to live in a traditional neighborhood and loves it for how it is now, that's great, but let's keep out those who just want to destroy and rebuild. Here at Keepin' Austin Austin, we think we have one solution to this problem. --- This passage introduces the logos of the podcast, generally mentioning the podcast's solution. At the same time, it continues to use pathos to disparage the newcomers. The reference to the authority of the podcast inspires ethos.

First, we will change zoning to relax restrictions on development in wealthier areas. We will aim for allowing more luxury, high-rise buildings, speeding the approval process for new construction, and rezoning nearby land to allow for an expansion of the rich areas. Then, we will also use zoning to restrict certain types of development in traditional low-income neighborhoods. --- Logos is used here in adding detail to the proposal.

Specifically, we'd forbid developers from making affordable housing into luxury. Let's talk about what zoning is and how the City can use it to implement these policies. According to Kenton, writing in Investopedia, zoning refers to municipal or local laws and regulations that govern how real property can and cannot be used in certain geographic areas. Ethos is used by referring to the published expert's definition. Logos is used in the further advancement of the proposal.

Kenton goes on to explain that municipalities create a master plan and petition the City into neighborhoods and districts. Different rules will apply to different petitions in order to achieve goals such as creating certain types of living space for residents or promoting economic development. A crude example would be that you can't build an oil refinery in a residential neighborhood, but a more subtle example would be that certain neighborhoods are only for single-family homes with yards, not apartment buildings. --- This passage entirely uses logos to give details of how zoning works to provide a foundation for the proposal.

Turning to the City of Austin specifically, the City is divided into what are called base districts. There are 16 of these, which fall into basic categories such as single-family only or medium-density apartments. However, there are huge complexities within this through the use of what are called overlays --- Logos continues to be used in this passage as the general description of zoning is applied to the City of Austin.

These can get quite specific. For example, there is a Capitol View overlay district, which preserves views of the Capitol Dome by limiting the height of buildings along certain corridors. There are also specific overlays to preserve the character of historic districts, such as Aldrich Place, which is north of the University in the City of Austin. Logos continues to be used as the details of how zoning works in Austin are described.

But in practice, the rules are created and defined by the Planning Commission, a pointed group of volunteers, and the Planning Department, a division of the municipal government. We propose that Austin use overlays to selectively relax housing restrictions in some trendy, wealthy districts. This could include allowing more high-rise buildings, speeding the approval process for new constructions, and rezoning nearby land to make it part of the wealthy areas. --- Logos is further used to give details to the plan. This section also uses Ethos, because the legitimacy of the idea is demonstrated by the speaker's deep knowledge of zoning.

But so that these areas stay desirable, the City can, in effect, require that only new upscale housing be allowed. This can be achieved by, for example, requiring a certain size floor plan for new apartments. Even specific materials for construction and faucets could create more of the type of housing that would attract the wealthy newcomers. -- This section is entirely focused on logos as more details of the proposal are presented.

With more of this housing available, prices would be less likely to spiral out of control. The other part of my proposal is to make novel use of overlays to protect the low-income nature of certain existing traditional neighborhoods. This is turning traditional zoning on its head by using protections normally deployed in the service of the privileged to benefit the underprivileged. --- This section uses further logos to further describe the proposal. In addition, there is an element of ethos involved because the assertion of novelty implies that the speaker has expertise in the subject.

In this part of my proposal, zoning would be deployed to significantly limit the expansion of housing stock in traditional neighborhoods. By restricting growth, there wouldn't be enough places for the wealthy newcomers to live, even if they wanted to. --- This passage continues to use the logos to describe the proposal and then use logos in another way to make a logical argument to support the proposal.

However, there is a potential pitfall here. Fewer apartments that are harder to find could create scarcity that makes traditional low-income housing more so often, and even more expensive once they are remodeled into luxury. We propose to attack this problem by limiting the ability of developers and new residents to make existing rental units more upscale and desirable. Nothing can be built in Austin without a building permit that describes the work and the cost of the work. The City could set a limit on how much you could spend upgrading apartments and avoid these pitfalls. --- Logos is deployed here to highlight a possible problem and then demonstrate the proposal has a solution. This also invokes this because the speaker is shown to have carefully thought through the implications of the proposal and therefore the speaker has more credibility.

But hey, we know these proposals may not work for a lot of reasons, but let's try to use zoning overlays and building permits to fix this. We here at Keep an Austin Austin are always optimistic that we can keep the vibe, no matter how many people move here. --- This section uses logos in a different way, using logic to describe some reasons why the proposal may not work. Showing that the proposal may not work is using ethos to bolster the credibility of the speaker because she has thought through various scenarios and has a real-world practical approach. It also has pathos in that it tries to affect the emotions of the listener and have them feel upbeat.

Walt Whitman adopts the satirical perspective of a reformer, using evocative language to lament the changes in Brooklyn due to a steady and rapid gentrification. The modern reformer '[raises] the devil' and 'breaks things'.

Personal Anecdote & Problem Illustration, Uses a personal narrative to build Ethos and evoke Pathos. The Seoul statistic provides initial Logos, illustrating the broader problem of Displacement.

Acknowledging the Counter-Argument, Presents the opposing viewpoint, appealing to Logos and acknowledging the economic benefits often cited by Stakeholders.

Emphasizing the Human and Community Cost

Detailing Implementation Strategies

Addressing Potential Objections & Conclusion

Introducing myself and the topic I'm focusing on: Gentrification in Austin, TX, specifically how local South Congress businesses have been facing displacement. By bringing awareness to the issue through a podcast, it brings out the emotion in listeners, intriguing them to continue listening and expanding their knowledge on the topic. I use my personal experience and tone of voice to connect with the audience and help them understand how this issue affects real people in their community.

Providing context on why local shops have been experiencing displacement: How the rise of tech companies and the influx of new residents have played a key role in gentrification in Austin. Not only affecting local shops but also long-time residents, hoping to connect with current Austin residents and make them reflect on whether or not they have seen, heard, or have contributed to this problem. Through thoughtful narration, this part of the podcast could challenge listeners to consider their role in this issue.

Thesis: How introducing a bill to protect local businesses from being displaced is a step toward preserving Austin’s history, culture, and community. The part of the podcast emphasizes the importance of supporting local shops while recognizing the value of growth, encouraging listeners to see that both local shops and high-end retailers can coexist. Through a calm and informative tone, I aim to persuade without alienating those who support new development.

How Austin’s “weird” factor has always been a point of pride, especially in areas like South Congress that helped shape its identity. In this part of my podcast, I use a reflective tone and cultural references to show how gentrification is slowly erasing the city’s unique character. This rhetorical approach connects with long-time residents and listeners who value Austin’s culture, encouraging them to think about what’s being lost as the city continues to prioritize new high-end retailers.

Connecting Rachel Meltzer's research to this topic: Explains how demographic shifts are reshaping South Congress by highlighting how new wealthier residents are unintentionally displacing the diversity and creativity that once defined the area. This invites listeners to reflect on their role in these changes. The delivery and use of a thoughtful, informative tone help persuade new and long-time residents to think more about this issue.

The risk of losing Austin's image because of local shops being displaced: Highlight the shift from local businesses to high-end retailers to show how South Congress is losing its unique charm. The rhetorical use of pathos helps listeners understand the loss of authenticity, urging them to consider the consequences of gentrification. Through a reflective tone, I engage both residents and potential stakeholders, by making them feel responsible for protecting Austin’s image and culture before it’s erased.

Connecting Jessica Ferm's research to this topic: Jessica Ferm highlights how policymakers fail to address the negative effects of gentrification. This quote strengthens my podcast’s credibility and encourages listeners to question what the local government may be hiding. The serious tone emphasizes the disconnect between local government and community impact, aiming to engage concerned residents and prompt community involvement.

Local businesses having to face rising rent costs: Explains how the rising cost of living in South Congress is displacing both small businesses and long-time residents, showing how the economy and cultural loss are connected. This helps listeners see the broader impact of gentrification on the entire community, emphasizing the urgency of the issue. This encourages both residents and policymakers to consider what’s really at stake when rents start to rise.

The relationship between local businesses and long-time residents:Highlighting the emotional and cultural value of small businesses by emphasizing how much they provide to the community and the personal connections they’ve built. By using pathos, it helps listeners understand that losing these businesses is about more than economic problems, it’s about originality and belonging. This connection resonates with long-time residents and anyone who values Austin's culture and community.

The good and bad things about new high-end retailers: The complexity of gentrification shows how new businesses bring economic benefits but also contribute to displacement. This approach appeals to a broader audience by recognizing multiple sides of this issue. As well as encouraging listeners to consider the social cost of economic development.

City planners and local government: Addressing city planners and government officials directly shows how their decisions can shape the future of Austin’s identity. By contrasting two possible outcomes, it persuades listeners to care more about policy choices. This encourages community engagement, urging local leaders and community members to take action before Austin loses its unique history, culture, and image.

Proposal: Encouraging both new and long-time residents to get involved through community-led engagement like petitions and city council meetings. By directly addressing this issue, it invites listeners to see themselves as active participants in change, not just bystanders. My proposal helps engage the audience, especially stakeholders who care about preserving Austin’s local identity while still encouraging growth.

Counterargument: Acknowledging the opposing views shows that concerns about economic growth and development are valid. I'm able to present a balanced argument that respects the perspectives of developers and residents while still reinforcing why local businesses must be included in Austin's growth and development. This counterargument appeals to a wide range of stakeholders from landlords to longtime community members.

Introduction of East Austin’s current gentrification and What kind of growth are we supporting?

NLIHC Chart (Chart 01 and Chart 02)

Local business protection and personal memories (D.C. business grant)

East Austin mural “Let’s build a future that includes everyone.”

Introduction to the problem, what is gentrification, and that it is a very common issue, first talk about the upside of gentrification, what good does it bring

The downsides of gentrification explain why the problem needs to be solved, because of reasons such as displacement, harm on families, connect to Pathos, as the audience sympathize with residents facing these issues

demonstrate counter argument

Homes are getting more expensive and long-term residents are being kicked out.

It's not just about buildings but about jobs, churches, and communities too.

Housing is about the people of Austin not just money purposes.

This is about justice for the residents of Austin.

In order to see true growth the city needs to come together with strength.

Visualization of gentrification provides context and generates sense of empathy.

Describing the housing crisis in specific cities brings upon the sense of urgency to audience.

Drawbacks of rent control creates a sense of credibility as different viewpoints are addressed.

By providing a logical approach to gentrification, it evokes logos and highlights the need for policy.

Highlighting that we need to preserve the communities that are being pushed out promotes a sympathetic tone amongst the audience.

Hey everyone. Thanks for being here. Today, I want to discuss something that I find extremely important. We talk about it, it is an issue that has been overlooked, so I am here to change that. Today I will be talking about South Congress Avenue. If you live in Austin or have spent any time around here, you know the area, and you already know it's not just another street. It has always had its own culture. Live music, local artists, taco trucks, vintage stores, families walking around, small businesses that have been there forever.

It's always been one of those places that make a city feel unique, in this case Austin. But lately, it's started to change significantly. You walk down South Congress now and you still see some of the old spots, but they're surrounded by luxury apartments, high-end chain stores, and places clearly designed for tourists. I use a personal and honest tone to connect with people who know Austin, building trust while showing how South Congress has shifted from a unique, local space to something more commercial.

It feels like the neighborhood is shifting from being a place people live and build lives in to a place people visit and spend money. And this isn't just about a couple of new stores or buildings being created. What's happening on South Congress is part of a bigger issue, and that issue is gentrification. That's exactly the reason why, today, I want to break down what gentrification actually means, how it's showing up on South Congress, and what Austin can do to address it in a fair way. So let's start with the basics. Gentrification occurs when a neighborhood begins to attract wealthier people, and as a result of that, prices increase.

That might sound simple, but the impact is complicated. The people who already live there, often working-class families, people of color, and older residents, find themselves priced out. Rent goes up. Property taxes go up. Small businesses can't afford their leases anymore. So even though the neighborhood might look “nicer” on the surface. I explain gentrification in a way that's clear and easy to follow, while also using emotion and real-life examples to show why this issue matters and how it's changing South Congress for the people who live there.

It's coming at the cost of the people who built that community in the first place. That's exactly what's happening on South Congress. It was once a working-class neighborhood with deep ties to Austin's Black and Latino communities. It was full of local businesses, affordable rent, and longtime residents who had been there for decades. But as Austin has grown, so has the pressure to develop. The city's booming, real estate prices are rising fast, and South Congress has become one of the most desirable areas in town. That makes it a target for investors and developers. They're buying up property, renovating buildings, and marketing the area to people with more money.

And while that might bring money into the local economy, it's also pushing out the people who made the neighborhood what it is. That's what gentrification does. It replaces real community with something more polished but less personal. The Liberator explains this clearly. I use a clear and personal tone to show how gentrification on South Congress is not just about development but about pushing out the Black, Latino, and working class communities who built the area, turning a once genuine neighborhood into something more polished but less meaningful.

But when we let gentrification erase the communities that built that culture, we lose more than just old buildings. We lose people, stories, and connection. The Guardian, one of the sources, stated “Without strong, targeted policies, the damage from gentrification is often irreversible, leaving cities more unequal and culturally sterile.” So what can be done? In my Project 3, I argued for two main policy approaches. First is rent control. Second is anti-displacement support for local businesses and homeowners.

Let's talk about rent control. It's not some radical concept. It's just a way to limit how much a landlord can increase rent in a year. That gives people a little more stability. It makes it harder for sudden price hikes to displace people from their homes. I combine emotional appeal with evidence and a clear call to action by showing how gentrification erases not just places but people and culture, then shift into a solutions-based approach using my own research and credible sources to argue for fairer housing policies like rent control.

It's about recognizing that growth without fairness is just displacement. It's about realizing that culture doesn't come from buildings or branding. It comes from people. And when those people are gone, the culture goes with them. So what does success look like? It's not complicated. If rent prices level off. If local businesses are still there in five years. If the neighborhood still reflects the diversity it always had. If people who grew up near South Congress can afford to stay. That means success. Booe and Lippman say it well: “Preserving the character of South Congress means making room for both growth and tradition.”

That's the balance we should be aiming for. Ultimately, this is about the city's future. South Congress is just one example, but it shows us where things are heading. If we want Austin to stay creative, diverse, and real, we have to act like it. That means policy, support, and intentional choices. Thank you so much for listening. I hope this gave you something to think about. In this last part I put everything back to values and community, using a hopeful but urgent tone to show that real success means keeping South Congress diverse and livable, and I end by encouraging action through clear, simple goals and a reminder that the future of Austin depends on the choices we make now.

Intro music starts and transitions to actual start

Long story short this isn’t about stopping development. It’s about steering it. About making sure that our city grows in a way that respects and includes the people who built it. Because, if we let profit drive everything, we’ll wake up one day in an Austin that’s shiny, new, and completely soulless. So what do we do now? We must act. We must speak up.. We must push city officials and developers to commit to affordable housing, rent protections, and cultural preservation. This isn’t just a housing issue, it’s about equity, identity, and the kind of future we want for Austin. Thanks for listening. I’m Noah, and this has been the Austin Avengers. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a neighbor. Talk about it. Bring it to your next city council meeting. Because protecting Austin starts with you. - In this closing, I use a powerful call to action, emotional appeals, and inclusive language to leave the audience with a sense of urgency and responsibility, framing the fight against gentrification as not just a policy issue but a moral one tied to Austin’s future and identity.

Outro/Closing music for podcast

Explain gentrification to pao and asked her for any personal encounters.

Explaining how that incident affected our community becasue of the lack of things to already do in the valley. Intro to solution and research to support.

Still talking about the CLT's and benefits

Closing words and Thank you to pao for joining and thank you to listeners.

An introduction to both sides of the fight, one that supports gentrification while the other side that fights against it. This allows us to be more credible as we are not kjust focused on one side, and we acknowledged the other side.

Call to action, we push for a smart house style plan that ensures houston citizens safe, and afforable housing.

"This is gentrification in real time, and it’s displacing people every single day. But we have a secret weapon called SMART housing.". This explains the exigence of the podcast as it shows the issue of displacement and the solution of SMART housing being used to combat it.

"SMART stands for Safe, Mixed-Income, Accessible, Reasonably-Priced, and Transit-Oriented housing. It’s housing built for those who are lower income as a way to provide lower housing prices, decrease homelessness, and promote diversity and population growth.". This portion of text explains what SMART housing is, and what it stands for, as well as introducing the main stakeholders and audience for this podcast.

"Local and Federal governments can offer things like tax breaks, fee waivers, or density bonuses, which allow developers to build more units or save money if they include affordable housing in their projects. It's a win-win for the government if they lower homelessness at the same time.". This gives the call to action for politicians as well as shows the true message that we want to get across through this.

"We can’t keep pretending that gentrification is just the price of progress. It’s an epidemic. And SMART housing could be a real part of the solution, If we push more from our local leaders and our federal government, then real change is much closer than we might think.". This final paragraph brings us back to our message and genre of the entire story, and gives our story a very nice purpose.

Introduction: I will introduce what we are talking about

What is gentrification? We will define gentrification in summary

Interviews: There are 6 questions regarding gentrification, their experiences, and the plans that I would like to ask them about, with a bit of background noise

Hi everybody, thank you for listening. Today I'd like to discuss a topic that is, specifically for me, relevant. I am from Sugar Land, Texas, a suburb of Houston. After all, my hometown has started changing rather quickly. I mean really quickly. In the past ten years, the city of Houston has seen quite the jump in prices... housing, rent, etc. So, it makes sense that people are looking to move away from the city, and find something more reasonable. Some of them go to Sugar Land, TX. On the one hand, that sounds like growth—more people, more buildings, more jobs, more hospitals, more lanes on the freeway. But on the other maybe not... because behind all of this growth is a word that has become somewhat more common in and around cities alike, gentrification.

This is not just a Houston or Sugar Land problem. This is happening everywhere. So I challenge you to take a look at your community. Is this happening where you live? If yes, please consider joining a local organization. Speak up at town halls. Chat to your neighbors. Advocate for the policies that protect the people who made your city what it was. Because the future of our hometowns should belong to everyone, not just the people who can afford to move there.

Hello, my name is Sunny Bell, and welcome to another episode of Keepin' Austin Austin. For those of you new to the podcast, this is a place where people who love Austin's unique qualities think about ideas to keep Austin special, even while it is growing like a weed. --- Ethos is used here to establish both the speaker's and the podcast's credibility. This episode is part of an ongoing series, not just a single occasion. The specialization of the podcast on growth issues. contributes ethos to this episode

As you all know, Austin's population is exploding. We're up 30% in the last 10 years, and we've doubled in the last 20. We're always talking on the podcast about where to put all these people. Today, we're going to talk about one particularly difficult group of newcomers, the wealthy ones. ---- This passage uses logos by quoting concrete numbers. It also uses pathos in making the listener imagine the crowding and perhaps having an emotional reaction to wealthy newcomers.

The corner barbershop becomes a little lemon, and the community institutions weather under a flood of half-caffeinated lattes. And worst, the existing residents get squeezed out of their own neighborhood. If we want to keep Austin Austin, we've got to find a way to stop this gentrification. --- Pathos is at work here trying to create the emotion of indignation at the unfairness of gentrification.

Let's welcome our newcomers, but put them where they are happiest, among their peers. Don't get me wrong, if someone new wants to live in a traditional neighborhood and loves it for how it is now, that's great, but let's keep out those who just want to destroy and rebuild. Here at Keepin' Austin Austin, we think we have one solution to this problem. --- This passage introduces the logos of the podcast, generally mentioning the podcast's solution. At the same time, it continues to use pathos to disparage the newcomers. The reference to the authority of the podcast inspires ethos.

Let's creatively use City of Austin zoning to address these issues. We will ask that the Planning Department and the Planning Commission consider these proposals and recommend that the City Council of Austin enact them into law. Our plan has two parts. Logos here introduces the argument.

First, we will change zoning to relax restrictions on development in wealthier areas. We will aim for allowing more luxury, high-rise buildings, speeding the approval process for new construction, and rezoning nearby land to allow for an expansion of the rich areas. Then, we will also use zoning to restrict certain types of development in traditional low-income neighborhoods. --- Logos is used here in adding detail to the proposal.

Specifically, we'd forbid developers from making affordable housing into luxury. Let's talk about what zoning is and how the City can use it to implement these policies. According to Kenton, writing in Investopedia, zoning refers to municipal or local laws and regulations that govern how real property can and cannot be used in certain geographic areas. Ethos is used by referring to the published expert's definition. Logos is used in the further advancement of the proposal.

Kenton goes on to explain that municipalities create a master plan and petition the City into neighborhoods and districts. Different rules will apply to different petitions in order to achieve goals such as creating certain types of living space for residents or promoting economic development. A crude example would be that you can't build an oil refinery in a residential neighborhood, but a more subtle example would be that certain neighborhoods are only for single-family homes with yards, not apartment buildings. --- This passage entirely uses logos to give details of how zoning works to provide a foundation for the proposal.

But in practice, the rules are created and defined by the Planning Commission, a pointed group of volunteers, and the Planning Department, a division of the municipal government. We propose that Austin use overlays to selectively relax housing restrictions in some trendy, wealthy districts. This could include allowing more high-rise buildings, speeding the approval process for new constructions, and rezoning nearby land to make it part of the wealthy areas. --- Logos is further used to give details to the plan. This section also uses Ethos, because the legitimacy of the idea is demonstrated by the speaker's deep knowledge of zoning.

But so that these areas stay desirable, the City can, in effect, require that only new upscale housing be allowed. This can be achieved by, for example, requiring a certain size floor plan for new apartments. Even specific materials for construction and faucets could create more of the type of housing that would attract the wealthy newcomers. -- This section is entirely focused on logos as more details of the proposal are presented.

With more of this housing available, prices would be less likely to spiral out of control. The other part of my proposal is to make novel use of overlays to protect the low-income nature of certain existing traditional neighborhoods. This is turning traditional zoning on its head by using protections normally deployed in the service of the privileged to benefit the underprivileged. --- This section uses further logos to further describe the proposal. In addition, there is an element of ethos involved because the assertion of novelty implies that the speaker has expertise in the subject.

To support my point, Austin already has embraced this approach, in certain ways through the creation of a category called Homestead Preservation Districts, as described by the Mount Bonnell Project. But this has only happened in one place in East Austin, and was narrow in its goals, as described by the City on its website. My proposal aims for the broader use of Homestead Preservation Districts. --- This section entirely relies on logos in describing the context for the proposal.

In this part of my proposal, zoning would be deployed to significantly limit the expansion of housing stock in traditional neighborhoods. By restricting growth, there wouldn't be enough places for the wealthy newcomers to live, even if they wanted to. --- This passage continues to use the logos to describe the proposal and then use logos in another way to make a logical argument to support the proposal.

However, there is a potential pitfall here. Fewer apartments that are harder to find could create scarcity that makes traditional low-income housing more so often, and even more expensive once they are remodeled into luxury. We propose to attack this problem by limiting the ability of developers and new residents to make existing rental units more upscale and desirable. Nothing can be built in Austin without a building permit that describes the work and the cost of the work. The City could set a limit on how much you could spend upgrading apartments and avoid these pitfalls. --- Logos is deployed here to highlight a possible problem and then demonstrate the proposal has a solution. This also invokes this because the speaker is shown to have carefully thought through the implications of the proposal and therefore the speaker has more credibility.

But hey, we know these proposals may not work for a lot of reasons, but let's try to use zoning overlays and building permits to fix this. We here at Keep an Austin Austin are always optimistic that we can keep the vibe, no matter how many people move here. --- This section uses logos in a different way, using logic to describe some reasons why the proposal may not work. Showing that the proposal may not work is using ethos to bolster the credibility of the speaker because she has thought through various scenarios and has a real-world practical approach. It also has pathos in that it tries to affect the emotions of the listener and have them feel upbeat.

This is Sunny Bell, and that's all for this time. Hit that subscribe button so you can be the first to know about the next one. Thank you. --- This conclusion uses ethos to further bolster the speaker's credibility because this podcast is part of a series that is concentrated on topics related to this proposal.

Here, the definition of the term 'rhetoric'. We introduce the idea with several of the class' discussion post ideas from the beginning of the year, in response the question "what is rhetoric?". In this case, we hadn't learned the academic definitions yet.

Jodie Nicotra provides the academic definition of 'rhetoric'. In many ways, rhetoric acts in a set of modes- here, one audio, one writing. This annotation is a mode- this audio is another.

There are various modes and biases associated with rhetoric- all contained within one person, with a baseline that extends and bounces around cultural, societal, and personal biases. Altogether, it can change the way we see things- our world is our basis for understanding.

Rhetoric surrounding gentrification has becomes outdated- referencing Eliot Tretter's article, we have approached our understanding of rhetoric in the same way for decades. Why shouldn't there be a resurgence?

Gentrification is a long-standing topic of debate, and, as proven in Whitman's writing, one that exists to persist. How can we change something which has continued to persist throughout time, and which acts not only as an antagonist but a catalyst for modern change?

We introduce a proposal- making gentrification viral. With virality, discourse becomes key, and change is imminent.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote arises from a sermon he made at Columbia University, which presses that change requires action in order to occur.

There are several downsides to organised virality- and many past examples of attempts at virality that didn't work out. Unorganised virality, however, can have it's own downsides. In this case, we aim to find the true benefit of virality.

Introduction & Context, Establishes the setting (Taipei), introduces the central topic (MRT expansion), and subtly introduces the core problem (gentrification) as a negative consequence. Sets the Exigence for addressing this "shadow."

Introducing the Nuanced Solution: Community-Focused TOD

Addressing Potential Objections & Conclusion

Thesis: How introducing a bill to protect local businesses from being displaced is a step toward preserving Austin’s history, culture, and community. The part of the podcast emphasizes the importance of supporting local shops while recognizing the value of growth, encouraging listeners to see that both local shops and high-end retailers can coexist. Through a calm and informative tone, I aim to persuade without alienating those who support new development.

How Austin’s “weird” factor has always been a point of pride, especially in areas like South Congress that helped shape its identity. In this part of my podcast, I use a reflective tone and cultural references to show how gentrification is slowly erasing the city’s unique character. This rhetorical approach connects with long-time residents and listeners who value Austin’s culture, encouraging them to think about what’s being lost as the city continues to prioritize new high-end retailers.

A lifelong Austin resident shares her opinion on the cultural shift in the city. Including her voice adds authenticity and emotional appeal, which allows listeners to hear directly from someone who has seen these changes. This personal statement and conversational tone can strengthen the podcast’s connection to the audience, especially long-time residents who may share the same opinion.

City planners and local government: Addressing city planners and government officials directly shows how their decisions can shape the future of Austin’s identity. By contrasting two possible outcomes, it persuades listeners to care more about policy choices. This encourages community engagement, urging local leaders and community members to take action before Austin loses its unique history, culture, and image.

Proposal: Encouraging both new and long-time residents to get involved through community-led engagement like petitions and city council meetings. By directly addressing this issue, it invites listeners to see themselves as active participants in change, not just bystanders. My proposal helps engage the audience, especially stakeholders who care about preserving Austin’s local identity while still encouraging growth.

Conclusion: Restating my thesis that gentrification is threatening Austin’s cultural identity, and proposing a bill as a solution, serves as a call to action. This shows how the bill could help protect local businesses and preserve the city's culture and image. The conclusion helps the audience understand what’s truly at stake and why it's so important to not only protect these local businesses but also maintain Austin’s culture.

Policy recommendations and required backed up by examples from other cities.

Local business protection and personal memories (D.C. business grant)

The downsides of gentrification explain why the problem needs to be solved, because of reasons such as displacement, harm on families, connect to Pathos, as the audience sympathize with residents facing these issues

Sad music that relates to pathos, as the viewers listen to the sorrowful music while understanding the struggles of the families, the effect of Pathos will be enhanced

Present solution, where a Housing Assitance Program is created, to provide stipend for renters qualified, which means they must make wages below a certain point

Explain why it matters to stand up and show support for anti-gentrification efforts, why there needs to be a solution, this acts as a conclusion to the video

The possibility of a CLT is in the hands of the city.

Housing is about the people of Austin not just money purposes.

CLT's are like a group project, everyone needs to chip in their fair share.

In order to see true growth the city needs to come together with strength.

Visualization of gentrification provides context and generates sense of empathy.

Clear call to action and motivates the audience to help immediately.

Hey everyone. Thanks for being here. Today, I want to discuss something that I find extremely important. We talk about it, it is an issue that has been overlooked, so I am here to change that. Today I will be talking about South Congress Avenue. If you live in Austin or have spent any time around here, you know the area, and you already know it's not just another street. It has always had its own culture. Live music, local artists, taco trucks, vintage stores, families walking around, small businesses that have been there forever.

It's always been one of those places that make a city feel unique, in this case Austin. But lately, it's started to change significantly. You walk down South Congress now and you still see some of the old spots, but they're surrounded by luxury apartments, high-end chain stores, and places clearly designed for tourists. I use a personal and honest tone to connect with people who know Austin, building trust while showing how South Congress has shifted from a unique, local space to something more commercial.

It feels like the neighborhood is shifting from being a place people live and build lives in to a place people visit and spend money. And this isn't just about a couple of new stores or buildings being created. What's happening on South Congress is part of a bigger issue, and that issue is gentrification. That's exactly the reason why, today, I want to break down what gentrification actually means, how it's showing up on South Congress, and what Austin can do to address it in a fair way. So let's start with the basics. Gentrification occurs when a neighborhood begins to attract wealthier people, and as a result of that, prices increase.

That might sound simple, but the impact is complicated. The people who already live there, often working-class families, people of color, and older residents, find themselves priced out. Rent goes up. Property taxes go up. Small businesses can't afford their leases anymore. So even though the neighborhood might look “nicer” on the surface. I explain gentrification in a way that's clear and easy to follow, while also using emotion and real-life examples to show why this issue matters and how it's changing South Congress for the people who live there.

It's coming at the cost of the people who built that community in the first place. That's exactly what's happening on South Congress. It was once a working-class neighborhood with deep ties to Austin's Black and Latino communities. It was full of local businesses, affordable rent, and longtime residents who had been there for decades. But as Austin has grown, so has the pressure to develop. The city's booming, real estate prices are rising fast, and South Congress has become one of the most desirable areas in town. That makes it a target for investors and developers. They're buying up property, renovating buildings, and marketing the area to people with more money.

And while that might bring money into the local economy, it's also pushing out the people who made the neighborhood what it is. That's what gentrification does. It replaces real community with something more polished but less personal. The Liberator explains this clearly. I use a clear and personal tone to show how gentrification on South Congress is not just about development but about pushing out the Black, Latino, and working class communities who built the area, turning a once genuine neighborhood into something more polished but less meaningful.

Booe and Lippman state that "The neighborhood's culture is being erased as higher-income people replace working-class residents and as businesses cater more to tourists than locals." And when you walk down South Congress now, you can see exactly what they're talking about. You still hear music, you still see some color, but the feeling has shifted. It has become more commercial. It's essential to note that change itself is not the enemy. Cities are always going to evolve. People move, businesses open and close, and development happens. But the question is who that change is for. Is it for the people who already live there? Or is it just for outsiders with more money?

Right now, the way things are going, it's clear that the changes on South Congress are not really being made with long-term residents in mind.And the reason this matters isn't just because it's unfair. It also damages the city's identity. Austin is known for its creativity and its culture, I bring in outside sources and personal observation to show that the changes on South Congress are not just physical but cultural, and I ask who these changes are really serving to make it clear that the city's growth is coming at the cost of its identity and longtime residents.

Those opposed to rent control argue that it discourages developers or leads to poorer housing conditions. However, that's not necessarily true if the policy is well-designed and effectively enforced. As Dorazio at the Center for American Progress explains, “Localized rent control efforts can help reduce displacement without halting all new development.” So it's not either-or. We can have growth and still protect residents. Rent control helps people stay. That's what matters. But even rent control won't solve everything. That's why we also need anti-displacement policies.

That means creating programs that support local business owners, especially those who've been serving the community for years. It also means protecting homeowners from rising property taxes, offering grants to renters, and ensuring tenants are aware of their rights. To put this into perspective, I respond to common counterarguments with evidence and logic, showing that rent control can work alongside development, and I expand the solution by pushing for anti-displacement policies that focus on protecting the people and businesses who make the community feel like home.

Portland has already implemented something similar with its Anti-Displacement Action Plan. They offer rent assistance, repair grants, and support for community organizations. They didn't stop development. They just made it more balanced. This could be established in Austin. There are also other ideas we should explore, such as inclusionary zoning, which would require developers to incorporate affordable housing into new construction, or community land trusts, which can keep housing permanently affordable by removing the land from the market. These solutions already exist. We don't have to invent anything new.

We just have to care enough to use them. Beyond policy, though, this is about values. Do we want to be a city that protects its people, or one that only accommodates wealth? Do we want to preserve what makes Austin what it is? And no, this isn't about being anti-business or anti-growth. I use real examples and practical solutions to show that cities like Portland have already taken steps to balance growth with fairness, and I shift the focus from just policy to values by asking what kind of city we want Austin to be.

It's about recognizing that growth without fairness is just displacement. It's about realizing that culture doesn't come from buildings or branding. It comes from people. And when those people are gone, the culture goes with them. So what does success look like? It's not complicated. If rent prices level off. If local businesses are still there in five years. If the neighborhood still reflects the diversity it always had. If people who grew up near South Congress can afford to stay. That means success. Booe and Lippman say it well: “Preserving the character of South Congress means making room for both growth and tradition.”

That's the balance we should be aiming for. Ultimately, this is about the city's future. South Congress is just one example, but it shows us where things are heading. If we want Austin to stay creative, diverse, and real, we have to act like it. That means policy, support, and intentional choices. Thank you so much for listening. I hope this gave you something to think about. In this last part I put everything back to values and community, using a hopeful but urgent tone to show that real success means keeping South Congress diverse and livable, and I end by encouraging action through clear, simple goals and a reminder that the future of Austin depends on the choices we make now.

Intro music starts and transitions to actual start

Now, some people argue that policies like rent control or affordable housing will scare away developers or hurt the economy. But clearly this is just not true. Cities like New York, San Francisco, and even Portland, have all found ways to balance growth and equity. And Austin? We’re one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Developers aren’t going to pack up just because they’re asked to build responsibly, making this outcome we are searching for very realistic. In fact, Austin has a real opportunity right now. Lawmakers have been discussing changes like reducing minimum lot sizes and expediting permits in order to build more homes faster. But volume alone obviously won’t fix affordability. If we just build more luxury condos, we’re still excluding the people who actually need housing. That’s why affordability must be baked into every part of every growth. - In this conclusion, I directly address counterarguments with evidence from other cities, using logic and a hopeful yet firm tone to argue that responsible development and equity can coexist, and that Austin has both the momentum and responsibility to lead the way.

Long story short this isn’t about stopping development. It’s about steering it. About making sure that our city grows in a way that respects and includes the people who built it. Because, if we let profit drive everything, we’ll wake up one day in an Austin that’s shiny, new, and completely soulless. So what do we do now? We must act. We must speak up.. We must push city officials and developers to commit to affordable housing, rent protections, and cultural preservation. This isn’t just a housing issue, it’s about equity, identity, and the kind of future we want for Austin. Thanks for listening. I’m Noah, and this has been the Austin Avengers. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a neighbor. Talk about it. Bring it to your next city council meeting. Because protecting Austin starts with you. - In this closing, I use a powerful call to action, emotional appeals, and inclusive language to leave the audience with a sense of urgency and responsibility, framing the fight against gentrification as not just a policy issue but a moral one tied to Austin’s future and identity.