This is a critical time in our city and our country to ensure that our neighbors at all income levels not only have a safe, affordable place to live, but also have access to employment and educational opportunities that will enable them to reach their full potential. HousingWorks Austin is committed to exploring new ways in which housing can make that a reality. While HousingWorks is currently undergoing a search for a new executive director as Mandy De Mayo has accepted a new challenge with the City of Austin, rest assured that HousingWorks is busier than ever.
One of the most important items on our agenda is our second annual summit, Reimagining the American Dream - Housing + Economic Opportunity. Please save the date, Friday, February 9th. Just as we did with our Housing + Health Summit last year, we are assembling some of the brightest minds to come together to determine what's working and what more can be done to ensure that housing resources can connect residents with the guidance and assistance they need to gain access to higher incomes and self-sufficiency. Look for more details about this event in the coming months.
Learning to Soar - A Story of Housing and Economic Opportunity
Affordable housing can play a vital role in ensuring that every American has access to economic opportunities and the American dream. No one knows that better than Rashonda Livingston. Eight years ago Rashonda's main concern was finding shelter and other basic necessities for herself and her three young sons. Her dream of going to college and having a career seemed impossible. In this Keep Austin Affordable Video feature, find out how her search for affordable housing put her on track for higher education and a brighter future for her family. Watch her story on our website.
HousingWorks Planning Summit with Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
Economic opportunity and income mobility are at the core of America’s identity and values. These ideals are embodied in the American Dream, the unwavering belief that every American must have an equal opportunity to achieve success through hard work. Yet we know that the rates of intergenerational income mobility differ between cities and zip codes. What role can safe and affordable housing play in improving opportunities for all? We will be exploring this question with some of the brightest minds in the region and the country. There are multiple opportunities available for sponsorship. Save the date, Friday, February 9, 2018 and stay tuned for more details.
City Leaders Comment on Draft Two of CodeNEXT
The second draft of CodeNEXT was released on Friday, September 15, and Austin's Mayor and City Council have had an opportunity to hear from City staff and CodeNEXT consultants about what has changed. City leaders seemed to agree that the new version of the Land Development Code is better that the first draft, but they still have lingering concerns, particularly about how well the new code will create affordable housing. Read more on our website.
