We focus a lot on the increasing cost of rental housing in Austin, and for good reason.  Austin is a majority renter city, and rents are at an all-time high. But, with median home sales prices at historic levels, homeownership is growing increasingly out of reach for working families.

In July, CAPCOG reported that while the homeownership rate in the Austin metropolitan area is on the upswing, there is a critical shortage of homes for sale at the lower end of the pricing scale. Fortunately, the City of Austin, in partnership with local area nonprofits, is creating homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate income families. Austin Habitat for Humanity recently celebrated construction of its 400th affordable home. Congratulations! We have dedicated much of this newsletter to the issue of affordable homeownership and the creative ways in which our community is making homeownership a reality for Austin families.

-- Mandy DeMayo
Executive Director, HousingWorks Austin