HousingWorks Austin March 2016 Newsletter

March 2016 EDITION

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
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We just wrapped up another SXSW festival showcasing Austin's creative talents and innovative spirit. SXSW came at a critical time. In February, Austin Music People (AMP) released the Austin Music Industry 2016 Economic Impact Study. The analysis showed that while music has a large and growing impact on our economy (more than $1.8 billion in 2014), local music industry jobs (and revenue) are actually decreasing.

In early March, Mayor Steve Adler and the City Council approved the Music and Creative Ecosystem Omnibus Resolution. Recognizing the value of the creative community – and the fact that growing and investing in Austin’s creative economy is one of Imagine Austin’s priority programs – City Council directed the city manager to develop and present a plan of action to address the health and viability of the creative ecosystem. It’s a great first step.

If we are to retain our identity as a creative community, as well as the title “Live Music Capital of the World,” we need to ensure that our artists can afford to live, work, and create here.That means finding ways of ensuring the affordability of housing, as well as venues, creative spaces, and innovation HUBs. We look forward to seeing the plan of action and proposed solutions that will help to keep Austin affordable.

-- Mandy DeMayo
Executive Director, HousingWorks Austin

Housing, Money Woes Strike a Sour Note with an Austin Musician

Mike Mancuso, a member of the Austin band Steady Legend and Austin Music People (AMP), brought his musical talents to Austin five years ago. In that time, he has moved four times in search of decent, affordable housing. In this Keep Austin Affordable video feature, Mancuso makes an appeal to Austin's leaders and music lovers to do more to support local creatives.

On Wednesday, March 23rd, Mayor Steve Adler and many others celebrated the groundbreaking for Aldrich 51, a $40 million apartment complex funded in part by the housing bonds passed in 2013. A project of Austin-based DMA Development Company, the bulk of the units will be earmarked for low-to-moderate income families. Find out how to apply to become a resident of Aldrich 51 on our website.