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News from the City of Austin Housing & Planning Department. Housing affordability, planning, zoning, historic preservation and displacement prevention in the Austin area.
In this edition:
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Creating Affordable Housing Together
We are happy to announce 266 new affordable rentals! These projects were made possible through the use of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and Rental Housing Development Assistance. Austin Housing Finance Corporation was the tax-exempt bond issuer for both of these developments. We use funding tools and incentives to encourage developers to create affordable housing.
Thursday, May 12, Austin Housing Finance Corporation’s (AHFC) newest affordable development celebrated its grand opening. AHFC is the land owner and a member of the partnership that owns the development.
From Director Rosie Truelove, "As Director of Austin's Housing and Planning Department, I am always excited to share in moments like this. This is the result of the hard work of so many. Planners, builders, contractors, financiers, affordable housing advocates, City staff, and City leaders. On top of that, we all had to clear significant obstacles due to the pandemic. What we celebrate today at Vi Collina is a moment of tremendous achievement. "
Affordability: 100% of the 170 units are at rents affordable for residents making a low income. 70+ units are affordable for residents making incomes below 50% of Austin's median family income.
Opening Soon
Los Portales de Lena Guerrero – leasing now! Grand opening to be scheduled in June.
Affordability: 100% of the 96 units are at rents affordable for residents making a low income. 66 units are affordable for residents making incomes below 50% of Austin's median family income.
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Your Input Matters
Proposed Change to Vertical Mixed-Use Affordable Housing Bonus Program
Vertical Mixed-Use (VMU) is a zoning category that allows a ‘mix’ of different uses within the same building. An example is a building with a business on the ground level and residential units on the second floor and above. VMU buildings maximize land use by building up instead of out.
The proposed change would add a new category—called "VMU2"—which would offer a height bonus of 30 feet in exchange for more affordable units. The public can provide feedback during public hearings May 19 and June 9 at the City Council meetings.
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Community goals for equitable transit-oriented developments
You're invited to take a survey to share your feedback on 6 key priorities. Let us know what would best support YOUR community.
⏭ Take the survey now AND be entered into a raffle for a $50 gift card! SurveyMonkey.com/r/ETODgoals
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Community Innovation
Live in an area impacted by Project Connect? Apply to be part of the anti-displacement funding community review panel. Participation requires ~35 hours over 3-4 weeks. A stipend is available for panel members. Payment will depend on review and attendance.
⏭ Apply to be part of the community review panel by May 20 at AustinTexas.gov/Connect
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Open Solicitation: Request for Qualifications
Community Engagement for the Northeast Austin District Plan
Are you a planning, communications, or community development entity? Are you interested in engaging community to create a people-centered, equity-focused planning process? Then check out the Northeast Austin District Plan Request For Qualifications.
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Join Us Saturday, May 21
Free Family Day of Fun & Learning
The annual Austin Energy Community Connections Resource Fair is always fun and free. Kids and adults alike can try out fun activities like working a bucket truck or seeing how a fire truck works! Community providers will also be on hand to provide information on:
- Medical assistance programs
- Food services
- Housing repair programs
⏭ Join us Saturday, May 21 @ 11:30 am – 3 pm at Lyndon B. Johnson High School!
For more info go to https://bit.ly/AEResourceFair
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New Fair Housing Act Video Explainer
The Fair Housing Act is federal law. It prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. The act has two main purposes—prevent discrimination and reverse housing segregation.
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Job Openings
At the Housing & Planning Department, we love our work. Our team is full of passionate, energetic generators who have fearlessly answered a civic calling to lean into Austin’s strongest headwinds: affordability, equity, housing, and community planning.
Current job openings include:
Planner Senior (Urban Designer): Do you have a passion for finding solutions in various urban contexts? Help us elevate the human experience in urban spaces! The ideal candidate will have experience with small and large-scale urban planning projects.
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