How to Fix America by Mary Santora

There is a specific kind of tension that vibrates through the air in Austin, Texas, especially when you’re standing on the corner of Congress Avenue watching the skyline expand toward the Hill Country. It’s the sound of a city caught between two identities: the “Keep Austin Weird” bohemian enclave of the past and the hyper-growth, “Silicon Hills” tech powerhouse of the present. This friction isn’t just about real estate prices or traffic on I-35; it’s a microcosm of a much larger, national identity crisis. Recently, a piece of social commentary from Mary Santora has been circulating that strikes a chord with exactly this kind of cultural tug-of-war. Her proposition for “fixing America” is deceptively simple: you just have to be 5% more progressive than your father. It sounds like a joke, but in a place like Austin, it’s a profound framework for understanding how we actually move the needle without breaking the gears of society.

The Incrementalism Revolution: Why 5% Matters

In a political climate that often feels polarized into “all or nothing” camps, the concept of the “5% shift” is a radical departure from the standard rhetoric of revolution or total stagnation. When we talk about shifting political landscapes, we often imagine massive, seismic shifts—overturning entire institutions or implementing sweeping, overnight changes. However, Santora’s insight suggests that progress is most sustainable when This proves evolutionary rather than purely revolutionary. It’s about the gradual expansion of the social contract.

If you look at the history of American civic progress, the most enduring changes often came from these incremental nudges. It is the cumulative effect of generations slightly adjusting their views on civil rights, environmental stewardship, and economic equity. This “5% rule” acts as a stabilizer. It allows for the integration of new values into the existing social fabric, preventing the kind of reactionary backlash that occurs when change feels forced or alien. In Austin, we see this play out in real-time. The city isn’t trying to become a different entity entirely; it is trying to negotiate a new version of itself that can accommodate a global tech workforce while still honoring its local roots.

The Austin Paradox: A Case Study in Progress

Austin serves as a perfect laboratory for this theory. As a progressive “blue dot” in a deeply conservative state, the city is constantly negotiating its existence with the Texas State Legislature. When the city council attempts to pass ordinances regarding housing density or environmental protections, they often run into a wall of state-level preemption. This is where the “5% more” philosophy becomes a survival strategy. It isn’t about every resident becoming a radical activist; it’s about the community finding ways to advance local interests—like expanding CapMetro transit routes or implementing smarter zoning laws—within the constraints of a much more conservative state framework.

This tension creates a unique socio-economic environment. On one hand, you have the massive influx of capital from global tech giants, which drives innovation and tax revenue. On the other, you have the displacement of long-term residents and the loss of the very “weirdness” that made the city attractive in the first place. Navigating this requires more than just passion; it requires a sophisticated understanding of local governance and the ability to implement policies that are progressive enough to address inequality but pragmatic enough to survive legal and political challenges.

Socio-Economic Ripples in the Silicon Hills

The implications of this incremental progress extend far beyond the halls of the Austin City Council. We are seeing second-order effects in how the city develops its infrastructure and its workforce. As the city pushes for more progressive urban planning—moving toward higher density and more walkable neighborhoods—it fundamentally changes the economic landscape for small businesses and developers alike. The “5% shift” in zoning policy can be the difference between a thriving, mixed-use district and a sprawling, car-dependent suburb.

the role of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin cannot be overstated. As a major engine of both intellectual and economic growth, UT Austin acts as a catalyst for these incremental shifts. The research, the student body, and the subsequent alumni network act as the “5% more” force, constantly introducing new ideas into the local economy and policy discussions. This creates a feedback loop: progressive ideas lead to new types of businesses and urban designs, which in turn attract more progressive thinkers, slowly but surely shifting the baseline of what is considered “normal” in Central Texas.

However, this growth is not without its casualties. The challenge for Austin—and for America at large—is ensuring that the “5% shift” doesn’t leave the most vulnerable behind. If progress only benefits those who can afford the new, high-density, high-tech lifestyle, then it isn’t true progress; it’s just gentrification with a better PR department. The goal must be to use that incrementalism to build a more inclusive foundation, ensuring that the “fixed” America is one where the floor is raised for everyone, not just the ceiling for a few.

Navigating the Shift: A Local Resource Guide

Given my background in socio-economic analysis and community resilience, I know that these macro-level political shifts can feel overwhelming on a personal and professional level. If you are a business owner, a developer, or a community organizer in Austin, these changing tides aren’t just “news”—they are the new rules of engagement. If this trend of incremental, policy-driven change impacts your work in the Austin area, you need to surround yourself with professionals who understand how to navigate this specific brand of complexity.

Here are the three types of local specialists Make sure to consider engaging to ensure you are positioned to thrive in Austin’s evolving landscape:

Urban Planning & Land Use Consultants

As Austin’s zoning laws and density requirements continue to shift, these experts are essential for anyone involved in real estate or commercial development. Look for consultants who have a proven track record with the Austin City Council and who can interpret the nuances of the latest transit-oriented development (TOD) ordinances. They should be able to help you navigate the “5% shifts” in local code before they become law.

Civic Engagement & Community Advocacy Strategists

If you are launching a new initiative or a non-profit, you need professionals who know how to build consensus in a divided city. These strategists specialize in bridging the gap between different demographic groups—from the tech-sector newcomers to the long-standing East Austin communities. Seek out those who prioritize “bottom-up” organizing and have deep ties to local neighborhood associations.

Municipal Policy & Regulatory Analysts

For businesses operating in highly regulated sectors, having a pulse on the tension between the city and the state is critical. These analysts don’t just track what’s happening in Austin; they forecast how the Texas State Legislature might respond to local progressive policies. Look for professionals with legal or public policy backgrounds who can provide actionable intelligence on upcoming regulatory shifts.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated community leaders and policy experts in the Austin, TX area today.