$50M in New Affordable Housing Developments Approved by the Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board

 

Over one thousand new affordable housing units at or below 80% MFI across six Council Districts

AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin Housing Department announces approval of $50 million in funding for nine affordable housing developments in Districts 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9, as approved by the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) Board today. Totaling 1,018 in new and preserved rental units plus 51 ownership units, all units will be affordable for households earning at or below 80% median family income (MFI). Properties expect to welcome residents beginning in 2024 through 2027. The City of Austin created the Austin Housing Finance Corporation as a public, non-profit corporation to generate and implement strategic housing solutions for the benefit of low- and moderate-income residents.  “Each development and each new unit of affordable housing creates opportunity for Austinites,” explains Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director for the Housing Department and AHFC Treasurer “We know that by opening the doors for housing stability, local communities will experience improved health and well-being, greater economic success, and encourage a more connected and diverse neighborhood of support.”  Balcones Terrace  Balcones Terrace, located in District 7 at 10024 North Capital of Texas Highway, was approved for $1,553,529 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Funding will go towards hotel rehabilitation and conversion into a permanent supportive housing development with 123 units for individuals exiting homelessness. The property is owned by AHFC and operated by Foundation Communities, with a 40-year affordability period. Rehabilitation completion is on track for 2024, with an anticipated move-in later this summer.  31 units will be available for rent at or below 30% MFI,  31 units will be available for rent at or below 40% MFI, and  61 units will be available for rent at or below 50% MFI  Cairn Point at Montopolis   Cairn Point, located in District 3 at 1013 Montopolis Drive, was approved for $6M in 2022 General Obligation Bonds. Funding will go towards development costs for the 150-unit supportive housing development for seniors. The property will be owned and operated by Vecino Group, with a 45-year affordability period. Construction completion is anticipated for September 2025, with an anticipated move-in for February 2026.  23 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 30% MFI,  50 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 50% MFI,   52 units will be available for rent at 60% MFI, and  25 units will be available for rent at 80% MFI  Escuela Nueva  Escuela Nueva, located in District 3 at 2013 Montopolis Drive, was approved for $9,690,000 in 2022 General Obligation Bonds. Funding will go towards development costs for the 114-unit multi-family development. The property is owned and operated by Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation (GNDC), with a 40-year affordability period.  20 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 30% MFI,  66 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 50% MFI, and   28 units will be available for rent at 60% MFI  Mary Lee Square  Mary Lee Square, located in District 9 at or near 1316, 1318, 1322-1324, 1330-1332, and 1340-1342 Lamar Square Drive, was approved for $5,446,471 in 2022 General Obligation Bonds. The properties will be primarily owned and operated by Foundation Communities, with a 40-year affordability period. Two buildings will be preserved within a partnership between AHFC and Foundation Communities. Funding will go towards the acquisition of the ten existing buildings and redevelopment of the site, including the preservation of 216 existing households. Construction completion is anticipated for October 2025.   88 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 30% MFI,   64 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 50% MFI, and   64 units will be available for rent at 60% MFI  Real Gardens  Real Gardens, is a new construction development located in District 1 at 2824 and 2826 Real Street and was approved for $1,122,639 in Homestead Preservation District Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone funding. The 60-unit, supportive housing property will be developed by Capital A Housing and owned and operated by Family Eldercare, with a 45-year affordability period. Due to deeper affordability, the unit mix above has changed from what was previously approved by the AHFC Board in 2022. Construction completion is anticipated for January 2026, with an anticipated move-in for March 2026.  35 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 30% MFI,  two units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 40% MFI, and   23 units will be available for rent at 50% MFI  Seabrook Square II  Seabrook Square ll, located in District 1 at 2210 Pershing Drive, was approved for $7,900,000 in funding from the following sources: $1,697,099 2022 General Obligation (GO) Bonds, $21,740 2013 GO Bonds, $5,181,161 Downton Density Bonus, and $1,000,000 HOME ARPA. The property is new construction of 60 supportive housing units to be developed by Capital A Housing and owned and operated by Integral Care, with a 40-year affordability period and a ground lease with AHFC. Construction completion is anticipated for June 2026, with an anticipated move-in for August 2026.  All 60 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 30% MFI.  Sunset Ridge  Sunset Ridge, located in District 8 at 8413 Southwest Parkway, was approved for $8,885,000 in 2022 General Obligation Bonds. Funding will go towards development costs for the 221 multi-family residential property. The property is owned and operated by Manifold Development, with a 40-year affordability period. Construction completion is anticipated for December 2026, with an anticipated move-in for February 2027.  100 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 50% MFI,   76 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 60% MFI, and   45 units will be available for rent at 80% MFI  5900 South Pleasant Valley  5900 South Pleasant Valley, located in District 2 at 5900 South Pleasant Valley, was approved for $8,950,000 in 2022 General Obligation Bonds. Funding will go towards development costs for the 74-unit multi-family residential development. The property is owned by AHFC and operated by Structure Development and JCM Ventures, with a 40-year affordability period. Construction completion is anticipated for April 2025, with an anticipated move-in for September 2025.  19 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 30% MFI, and   55 units will be available for rent at 50% MFI  GSNZ 7 Acres West  GSNZ 7 Acres West, located in District 3 at 2721 Goodwin Avenue, was approved for $1,435,200 in 2022 General Obligation Bonds. Funding will go towards development costs of nine ownership units within a 51-unit ownership housing project being developed in phases. The property is owned and operated by Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation (GNDC), with a 99-year affordability period. Phase one construction completion is anticipated for December 2025.  14 units will be available for sale to households earning at or below 60% MFI, and   37 units will be available for sale to households earning at or below 80% MFI  “We remain focused on our mission to create and preserve affordable housing for equitable and lasting support for our communities who need it most,” explains James May Housing and Community Development Officer for the Housing Department. “These developments employ innovative funding strategies while expanding our regional coordination and partnerships.”  A Holistic Approach to Affordable Housing   In 2017, Austin City Council adopted the Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint detailing goals to reach 135,000 housing units over the next ten years (2018-2028). The Blueprint includes goals for affordable housing in every City Council District to ensure that resources are aligned equitably. This ambitious 10-year plan aimed to facilitate community partnerships around a single, strategic vision to create 60,000 affordable housing units for those making less than 80% of the median family income and fill the need for affordable housing throughout the city. The Strategic Housing Blueprint proposed a wide array of new policy tools to allow for a multi-faceted and collaborative approach for producing and preserving affordable housing over the next ten years.   According to a recent City memo, the Austin housing market has radically changed since the Blueprint was adopted in 2017. The Blueprint acknowledged the need for innovative strategies to address challenges associated with limited resources, expanding regional coordination and partnerships, and legislative constraints. With this lens, the City is well past achieving the goals identified as within the City’s control including federally funded, existing density bonus programs, Housing Trust Fund, 2013 General Obligation Bonds, 2018 General Obligation Bonds, 2022 General Obligation Bonds.  Resources for affordable housing are available online at www.austintexas.gov/housing.  ###    About the City of Austin Housing Department  The City of Austin Housing Department provides equitable and comprehensive housing, community development, and displacement prevention to enhance the quality of life of all Austinites. To access affordable housing and community resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/housing.  About the Austin Housing Finance Corporation The Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) was created as a public, non-profit corporation and instrumentality of the City of Austin. The mission of the AHFC is to generate and implement strategic housing solutions for the benefit of low- and moderate-income residents of the City of Austin.

We Ride for Her Events at the Carver Museum: March 9, March 10

Join the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center in partnership with Red Sand Project on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10 at 1165 Angelina St. for events related to We Ride for Her a documentary about The Medicine Wheel Riders, a group of Indigenous women motorcyclists who ride to raise awareness for the nationwide crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIW/R). 

On Saturday, March 9 at 4:30 p.m., the team behind We Ride For Her has organized a Red Dress Exhibition, featuring empty red dresses hanging through the lobby of the Carver Museum as a visual representation of the spirits of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2Spirit individuals, inspired by the work of Métis artist Jaime Black. The Red Dress Exhibition will be on display from March 9 through April 6, 2024 at the Carver Museum, 

On Sunday, March 10 at 3 p.m., following the film’s premiere at the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival, Level Forward will present a conversation at the Carver Museum, ignited by the topics and themes of We Ride For Her. This event will excavate and amplify the roots of Black, Brown, and Indigenous solidarity as well as uplift the community ownership model deployed by We Ride For Her, centering equity, transparency, and wealth sharing.

We Ride For Her was conceived with the aim of inciting hope and catalyzing tangible change. The producers closely attended to communities’ lived experiences, foregrounding the agency and healing of the film’s protagonists in a trauma-informed approach to filmmaking. This included the use of rigorous informed consent processes, consultation with Indigenous trauma counselors on best practices, and an aftercare protocol emphasizing support and resources for survivors.

In alignment with the film’s aim to seed transformative change, the team behind We Ride For Her has also implemented a community ownership model, ensuring that those affected by the crisis hold a primary role in guiding the film’s direction and impact. The film is collectively owned by 19 community stakeholder partners, including organizations dedicated to advocacy around MMIW/R; supporting survivors of sexual violence; empowering Indigenous youth; and directly serving the needs of Indigenous communities.

The structure of this ownership model provides that profits are to be equally shared by the filmmakers and the film's Indigenous community stakeholders; neither Red Sand Project nor Level Forward will receive any profits from the film’s distribution, and all individuals involved in the process have been ensured access to the footage for use for their own not-for-profit purposes. The We Ride For Her team has developed legal templates based on this community ownership model, and has made them publicly accessible as free resources for film funders and non-profit organizations interested in applying this framework to support filmmakers and community stakeholders in future projects.

Earlier this year, the We Ride For Her team accompanied the Medicine Wheel Riders on their annual journey, stopping at locations in Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota, where they joined with the film’s community stakeholders to discuss the film, reflect upon this crisis, support local actions, and create space for community-building, healing, and dialogue.

Through and after the film’s world premiere at SXSW, the We Ride For Her team continues to amplify local and national efforts towards addressing the MMIW/R crisis. For more information on how to get involved, visit werideforher.com/reflect-respond.

About Red Sand Project
This film was conceptualized, supported, and produced by Red Sand Project, a participatory artwork raising awareness about human trafficking. Since its inception in 2014, Red Sand Project has been committed to telling the stories of those who have been trafficked, exploited, or made vulnerable. Red Sand Project has developed deep partnerships with organizations working to advocate for survivors, provide relief and support, and foster community.
Red Sand Project is focused on removing the onus and responsibility of awareness-raising away from survivors of human trafficking and towards communities and allies. This commitment to not retraumatizing those who have lived through violence and trauma—in the name of raising awareness—informs everything that Red Sand Project does, including this film. We believe that those who are closest to the issue—who are most impacted—should be those who set the agenda and create solutions. This is why we ensured that our filmmaking team is composed of Native people, families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and people, survivors of trafficking, and people of color.

About Level Forward
LEVEL FORWARD is a story-driven / impact-minded, Oscar, Emmy, and Tony nominated film, theater, and television mini-studio comprised of storytellers, entrepreneurs, and social change-makers. On project and systems levels, Level Forward strives to balance artistic vision, public good, and stakeholder return.

City Announces Request for Qualifications for Central Austin Multifamily Housing Development Opportunity

The Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) released a competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify a preferred development partner to develop, own, and operate a proposed approximately 300-unit multifamily apartment at 6909 Ryan Drive, a 5.5-acre AHFC-owned property located in the Crestview neighborhood of central Austin.

Supporting documentation is available on the RFP web page.

AHFC conducted public engagement between October and December 2023 to identify community priorities and sentiments, building upon the significant community engagement work done for Austin Energy’s prior solicitation. Through this process, it was determined that the community remained committed to prioritizing affordable housing, park space, and connectivity to transit.

Complete responses must be submitted to the AHFC by 11:59 p.m. CST on March 20, 2024, to be considered for award. Submission instructions are included within the RFQ—available on the RFP web page.

Questions regarding this Request for Qualifications may be directed to the RFQ’s Authorized Contacts:

Sarah Ramos 
Procurement Specialist 
Sarah.Ramos@AustinTexas.gov

Alex Radtke  
Housing Development Manager 
Alex.Radtke@AustinTexas.gov  

Persons desiring further information or interpretation of the RFQ requirements must make a written request for such information to AHFC no later than ten working days before the RFQ submittal due date (March 6th). Changes to the RFQ documents will be made by addendum only.  Questions and Answers that are significant will be provided as a Clarification Document(s). 

Office of Police Oversight Hosts Working Group Meeting, February 22, 2024

Community members' input requested for Police Oversight Implementation Working Group meetings

 

Austin, Texas- The Office of Police Oversight (OPO) will host the second quarterly Police Oversight Implementation Workgroup meeting on February 22, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

OPO invites community members to attend this meeting to offer input on future meetings as well as receive the most recent complaints data from OPO.  

The meeting is open to the public and will be hosted at the Asian American Resource Center (8401 Cameron Rd). 

Registration information:   

Register to participate here.

Accessibility and Accommodation Information: 

The event will be presented in both English and Spanish, as well as American Sign Language (ASL). Additional interpretation services and accessibility accommodations are available upon request. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please email OPO.Outreach@AustinTexas.gov or call (512) 974-9090.

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La Oficina de Fiscalización de la Policía (OPO, por sus siglas en inglés) realizará la segunda reunión trimestral del Grupo de Trabajo de Implementación de Fiscalización de la Policía el 22 de febrero de 2024 de 6:30 p.m. a 7:30 p.m. 

La OPO invita a los miembros de la comunidad a asistir a esta reunión para ofrecer sus comentarios sobre futuras reuniones, así como para recibir los datos más recientes de quejas de la OPO.  

La reunión está abierta al público y se realizará en el Centro de Recursos Asiáticoamericanos (8401 Cameron Rd). 

Información sobre la inscripción:   

Inscríbase para participar aquí.

Información sobre accesibilidad y adaptaciones: 

El evento será presentado en inglés y en español, así como en lengua de señas americana (ASL). Se ofrecerán servicios de interpretación y adaptaciones de accesibilidad adicionales a solicitud. 

Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud, por favor escríbanos a OPO.Outreach@AustinTexas.gov o llámenos al (512) 974-9090.

City of Austin Releases Draft South Central Waterfront Regulations, Seeks Public Comments

 

Density bonus program designed to generate affordable housing, community benefits

The City of Austin has released draft regulations for the South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program. The proposal is open for public comment until March 20, and residents can learn more at three upcoming community meetings. Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 20, the City’s Planning Department is asking community members to review the draft document and contribute their thoughts and questions online at SpeakUpAustin.org/SouthCentralWaterfront. “The South Central Waterfront District represents a unique chance to build a destination in Central Austin that reflects the community at its best,” said Lauren Middleton-Pratt, director of the Planning Department. “It will tie into the city’s culture, with connections to Lady Bird Lake and the Hike-and-Bike Trail, views of Downtown, and proximity to South Congress and Auditorium Shores.” A combining district groups together multiple parcels, allowing them to benefit from development regulations different from the base zoning code in the area. A density bonus program incentivizes development outcomes beneficial to the community in exchange for allowing developers added density. The roughly triangle-shaped, 118-acre South Central Waterfront District is generally bounded by Lady Bird Lake on the north, South 1st Street on the west, and East Bouldin Creek and East Riverside Drive on the south. The release of the draft Combining District & Density Bonus Program responds to City Council Resolution 20220915-090, which directed staff to create regulations supporting implementation of the South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan. The intent of the Vision Framework Plan, developed between 2012 and 2016 with the participation of stakeholders and hundreds of Austinites, is to leverage coming development through a districtwide approach in order to: Create an attractive and lively pedestrian environment, Expand open space and build great new public spaces, Enhance connections to and along Lady Bird Lake, and Generate affordable housing. Further, Council’s 2022 resolution requested regulations that create a connected, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use district where “thousands more Austinites can live, work, and play.” City staff members will share the ideas behind the new Combining District & Density Bonus Program at three public meetings. [See below for times and locations.] Community members, whether they live near the District or not, can learn more about the draft regulations, share their opinions, take a survey, and ask questions online at: SpeakUpAustin.org/SouthCentralWaterfront. Meeting 1 — Online Wednesday, February 28, 6-7:30 p.m. Register for Zoom Spanish interpretation available Meeting 2 — In-Person Monday, March 18, 6-8 p.m. Austin Public Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez St., 78701 Register for meeting Accessible by CapMetro Routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 20, 30, 801, and 803 Parking at Central Library or City Hall will be validated. Spanish and ASL interpretation available Meeting 3 — Online Wednesday, March 20, 10-11:30 a.m. Register for Zoom Spanish interpretation available Once the public comment period ends on March 20, Planning staff will review the feedback and incorporate potential changes into the proposal. Staff will also present the Combining District & Density Bonus Program to City boards and commissions, with anticipated City Council action in late May. For more information contact Caleb Pritchard, Public Information Specialist Senior, City of Austin Planning Department ###

02-22-0224: Barton Springs Bath House Rehabilitation Project

 

Contact:   Keyheira Keys, Public Information Specialist, City of Austin Public Works, (512) 974-7111   MEDIA ADVISORY Barton Springs Bath House Rehabilitation Project

Who:  Paige Ellis, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Austin  Michael Cannatti, President, Barton Springs Conservancy Austin Parks and Recreation Department, City of Austin Capital Delivery Services, City of Austin When: Thursday, February 22 at 10:00 AM Where: 2131 William Barton Drive Austin, Texas 78746

Join the City of Austin's Capital Delivery Services and Austin Parks and Recreation Department as we celebrate the groundbreaking for our new Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation Project! The ceremony will occur on Thursday, February 22 at 10 a.m. at 2131 William Barton Drive.  NOTE: There is NO parking near the bathhouse. Guests are asked to park at the Rock Garden picnic area parking lot (near the moontower) as project construction will be underway. Please see map for details.

City of Austin Activates Cold Weather Shelters on Saturday, Feb. 17

 

Finding the status of shelters by calling 512-972-5055

AUSTIN, Texas - The City of Austin is opening overnight cold weather shelters on Saturday, Feb. 17. Registration for shelter will occur between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at One Texas Center (OTC), 505 Barton Springs Road, which will act as the central embarkation point for individuals seeking an overnight shelter.    The City shared its plans to community partners who work directly with Austin’s unsheltered population and texted information directly to unsheltered individuals who are registered with the City’s recently launched text alert system.    The Homeless Strategy Office determines when to activate cold weather shelters no later than 9 a.m. each day using National Weather Service (NWS) projections for the Camp Mabry Location. These projections may be accessed via the NWS website and entering the 78703 zip:  7-Day Forecast 30.27N 97.74W (weather.gov). The Homeless Strategy Office activates cold weather shelters if the forecast is predicted to be 32 degrees or colder overnight, 35 degrees or colder overnight with precipitation, or 35 degrees or colder overnight with wind chill of 32 or colder.      How to Access a Cold Weather Shelter     Registration for shelter occurs between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at One Texas Center (OTC), 505 Barton Springs Road. Bus routes to OTC are lines: 1, 7, 10, 20, 30, 105, 142, 801. Anyone seeking a cold weather shelter and does not have the means to pay the fare will still be given a ride. CapMetro partners with the City to transport individuals from OTC to a shelter location.  While Cold Weather Shelters are primarily accessed by people experiencing homelessness, they are available to anyone needing a warm place to spend the night. Individuals can get information about access and activation by calling the Cold Weather Shelter Hotline - 512-972-5055.  Guidance for Cold Weather Shelter guests is available here.     Since shelters are largely used by individuals experiencing homelessness, the City does not list the locations for a variety of reasons, including managing capacity limits and privacy concerns. However, the City is publicizing the location of the embarkation point, which is the OTC at 505 Barton Springs Road.     Residents are encouraged to follow austintexas.gov/alerts for emergency information updated in multiple languages.

Austin City Council Passes Resolution to Support and Sustain Live Music Events

Today, the Austin City Council unanimously passed a resolution directing city staff to solidify an equitable co-sponsorship process and investigate opportunities to support and sustain live music community events. Recognizing the integral role of such events in Austin's cultural identity and economic vitality, the resolution underscores the city's commitment to maintaining its memorable music scene.

The resolution, which builds upon Austin's reputation as the 'Live Music Capital of the World,' emphasizes the importance of diverse, open-to-the-public community events. It acknowledges the challenges faced by event organizers and stakeholders while emphasizing the significance of collaboration across all parties in the live music ecosystem.

After the resolution passed, one of the sponsors, Council Member Harper-Madison, emphasized, “This is not the finish line by any means, this is just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing conversations across our music and arts space. Our vision is that the future generations of Austinites will get to experience live music events and traditions that are the fabric of our 'uniquely Austin' quality of life.”

This resolution reaffirms the City of Austin's commitment to fostering a thriving and inclusive live music ecosystem that benefits residents, visitors, and local businesses alike.

City of Austin Presidents Day Closures

City offices and some facilities will be closed Monday, Feb. 19

City of Austin administrative offices and other municipal facilities will be closed Monday, Feb. 19, in observance of Presidents Day. Normal business hours will resume Tuesday, Feb. 20. Parks and Recreation Most Austin Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed for Presidents Day. However, City parks, golf courses, cemeteries, and some pools will be open. Facility hours vary by location so please call ahead or visit AustinTexas.gov/Parks for details. Information on closures is available at AustinTexas.gov/ParkClosures. Austin Resource Recovery Trash, Recycling, Composting and Facility Schedules  Curbside collections will follow regular schedules and will not be affected by the President's Day holiday. Customers can check their collection schedule any time in the Austin Recycles app or at austintexas.gov/myschedule. The Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center​ and administrative offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19 but Austin Water’s Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant will be open regular hours for yard trimmings and large brush drop off.  Austin Public Health Environmental Health Services at the Rutherford Lane Campus, Office of Vital Records, all WIC and Shots for Tots clinics, and Neighbor Centers will be closed Monday, Feb. 19. COVID-19 test is available at private and non-profit sites throughout Austin, including pharmacies, hospitals and urgent care centers. Those who have private insurance can contact their doctor’s office or insurer for assessment and testing options. Additional resources:   •    Department of Health and Human Services community-based testing portal   •    COVID.gov testing resources  Visit Vaccines.gov (Vacunas.gov in Spanish) to find flu and COVID-19 vaccine providers near you.  Austin Energy The City of Austin Utilities Customer Care Call Center and City of Austin Utility Customer Service Centers will be closed on Presidents Day. Customers can make utility payments at coautilities.com or by calling 1-833-375-4919 for a Quick Payment.  Additional payment options include:  •    Paying at authorized locations, including most Austin H-E-B, Fiesta Mart, Randalls and Walmart stores  •    Mailing money order or check to P.O. BOX 2267, Austin, TX 78783-2267 or using a drop box location   •    Payment drop boxes are located at the North and South Utility Customer Service Centers, 625 East 10th Street and 505 Barton Springs Rd. Expect 3-5 business days for drop-off payments to process. The payment drop box at the East Branch inside Rosewood-Zaragosa is NOT available at this time.  Downtown Austin Community Court •    The Downtown Austin Community Court's Violet KeepSafe Storage program (VKS), Homeless Services, Court Services, and Community Services will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19. The following day, all services will reopen at their regular time: VKS at 7 a.m., Community Services at 7:30 a.m., and Homeless Services & Court Services at 8 a.m. Austin Public Library Schedule Austin Public Library, Recycled Reads Bookstore, and the Austin History Center branches will be closed both Sunday, Feb. 18 and Monday, Feb. 19. Resources that are available remotely can be accessed at the Austin Public Library website: library.austintexas.gov. Austin Animal Center Schedule The Austin Animal Center will close for Presidents Day, reopening on Tuesday. For questions about City services or information call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000. Residents can also submit service requests from the Austin 3-1-1 mobile app.

Thomas Dambo to Share Vision and Story of the Pease Park Troll

Two upcoming events in Pease Park will feature Thomas Dambo, the world-leading recycle artist and creator of the Pease Park troll.  Thomas Dambo Troll Media Day Friday, March 1, 2024 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park 1100 Kingsbury Street Hear from Thomas Dambo about his vision for his art around the world and in Pease Park as the Pease Park troll build begins. Day-of-event contact: Allison Johnson, 512-914-2451 Pease Park Troll Introduction and Celebration Friday, March 15, 2024 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park 1100 Kingsbury Street Join Thomas Dambo as he introduces the Pease Park troll to the Austin community. He will share the story of the Austin troll as we celebrate the completion of the build with food, nonalcoholic beverages, and music. Day-of-event contact: Jordan Fuhrer, 703-798-7903 Parking options include: Parking lot at the Austin Recreation Center, 1301 Shoal Creek Blvd. Small parking lot in front of the south end of Pease Park at 1100 Kingsbury Street Street parking on Parkway, North of 15th Street Upon arrival at the park, follow the eastern trail north through Kingsbury Commons (about ¼ mile) until you see the event set-up.  Find frequently asked questions about Austin’s Thomas Dambo troll  at peasepark.org/news/trollfaq. Pease Park Conservancy can be reached at info@peasepark.org. About Pease Park and Pease Park Conservancy Pease Park Conservancy was formed in 2008 and celebrates the diverse ecology and history that make Austin’s first public park valuable and unique. In partnership with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, the Conservancy works to restore, enhance, and maintain this 84-acre public green space for the sustainable use and enjoyment of all. Unfolding across 84 acres and owned by the City of Austin, Pease Park is a series of connected green spaces running along Lamar Blvd from 15th to 31st Streets.

City of Austin Making Significant Progress in Building Pathways to Exit Homelessness

 

Update presented to City Council highlights partnership between Homeless Strategy Office and Housing Department to create a continuum of support.

City of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office and the Housing Department presented an update on the expansion of City emergency shelter capacity as well as progress made toward new permanent supportive housing projects at Tuesday’s City Council work session.   “We are moving full steam ahead in partnership together to build our entire system infrastructure,” said David Gray, Homeless Strategy Officer. “The fact of the matter is we don’t have the luxury of choosing if we want to go all in on more shelters or more housing – we need both. And I’m really proud of the fact that we’re making strides in closing the gaps in our system.”  According to Gray, 3,324 clients used shelter services in Fiscal Year 2023 – a record-breaking number. The presentation also revealed that Austin is outperforming every other U.S. city in the percentage of clients successfully exiting shelters, with 60% leaving for rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, reunification with family members or other positive resolutions.  While currently only 3% are leaving shelters for permanent supportive housing, City leaders anticipate that number will eventually increase with new units expected to be available soon and more in the pipeline. Permanent supportive housing includes not just a home but wrap-around services including access to mental health care and case management. The number of permanent supportive housing units is expected to grow by 630% between now and 2026 with more than 1,000 new units.  “Austin’s homeless response system outperforms the national average for major cities, and we expect a 300% growth in permanent supportive housing this calendar year,” said James May, the City’s Housing and Community Development Officer. “And that number should continue to go up as we approve more loans and more financing for additional developments over the next several years through 2026.”  The City’s Homeless Strategy Office and Housing Department’s next steps towards building pathways to exit homelessness include:   Transitioning day-to-day site operations of BRIDGE shelters in March.  Exploring additional shelter opportunities to close gaps.   Releasing solicitation for landlord incentives in Spring/Summer 2024.   Providing ongoing support for Permanent Supportive Housing and Continuum of Care developments through Rental Housing Development Assistance.  Monitoring Local Housing Voucher program for improvements.  Identifying new partnerships for Permanent Supportive Housing developments, such as Espero Rutland.  Interim City Manager Jesús Garza said the cross-departmental collaboration is emblematic of how government should work to solve society’s most challenging issues.   “This is a great example of what it means to be 'City first' when it comes to addressing critical needs within our community,” Garza said. “And I think that’s the kind of collaboration that we need to be doing in this organization to continue to succeed.”  To learn more about resources for those experiencing homelessness in Austin, please visit www.austintexas.gov/homelessness.

Office of Police Oversight Hosts Working Group Meeting

 

Community members' input requested for Police Oversight Implementation Working Group meetings   Austin, Texas- The Office of Police Oversight (OPO) will host the second quarterly Police Oversight Implementation Workgroup meeting on February 22, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  OPO invites community members to attend this meeting to offer input on future meetings as well as receive the most recent complaints data from OPO.   The meeting is open to the public and will be hosted at the Asian American Resource Center (8401 Cameron Rd).  Registration information:    Register to participate here. Accessibility and Accommodation Information:  The event will be presented in both English and Spanish, as well as American Sign Language (ASL). Additional interpretation services and accessibility accommodations are available upon request.  If you have any questions or concerns, please email OPO.Outreach@AustinTexas.gov or call (512) 974-9090. -------------------------------------------------- La Oficina de Fiscalización de la Policía (OPO, por sus siglas en inglés) realizará la segunda reunión trimestral del Grupo de Trabajo de Implementación de Fiscalización de la Policía el 22 de febrero de 2024 de 6:30 p.m. a 7:30 p.m.  La OPO invita a los miembros de la comunidad a asistir a esta reunión para ofrecer sus comentarios sobre futuras reuniones, así como para recibir los datos más recientes de quejas de la OPO.   La reunión está abierta al público y se realizará en el Centro de Recursos Asiáticoamericanos (8401 Cameron Rd).  Información sobre la inscripción:    Inscríbase para participar aquí. Información sobre accesibilidad y adaptaciones:  El evento será presentado en inglés y en español, así como en lengua de señas americana (ASL). Se ofrecerán servicios de interpretación y adaptaciones de accesibilidad adicionales a solicitud.  Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud, por favor escríbanos a OPO.Outreach@AustinTexas.gov o llámenos al (512) 974-9090.

About the Office of Police Oversight   The mission of the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) is to provide impartial oversight of the Austin Police Department's conduct, practices, and policies to enhance accountability, inform the public to increase transparency, and create sustainable partnerships throughout the community.

City's Housing Department Seeks Input for Federally Funded Programming for 5-year Consolidated Plan

The City of Austin Housing Department invites community members to help guide a new five-year plan to invest housing and community development dollars where they are needed most. As required by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), a community needs assessment is conducted each year to ensure that federal funding meets the needs of Austin’s low and moderate-income residents.  

In FY 2023-2024, the City received approximately $14 million in HUD annual grants to support programs for affordable housing, community development, economic development, and public services. This year, the Housing Department will expand the community needs assessment so that programming funded by local dollars can also benefit from the community’s feedback. The expanded process to collect feedback on community needs to guide the next five years of funding begins on February 5 and runs through March 15. The public can participate online at www.SpeakUpAustin.com/MyCommunityNeeds. Input may be submitted until 5 p.m. on Friday, March 15. The City will gather feedback and submit the consolidated plan to HUD in August 2024.  

Additional Ways to Give Input

Please include a name, address, and phone number when submitting comments:  

• Mail to: Housing Department Attn: FY 2024-2029 Consolidated Plan P.O. Box 1088 Austin, Texas 78767. Visit your local library to pick up a paper copy of the survey.  
• Email: Housing@austintexas.gov  
• Phone: Call the Housing Department at 512-974-3155
• Text: To receive the survey questions on your mobile device, text MyCommunity to 73224

Participate in public hearings, either in-person or remotely, at the following meetings:

• 10:00 AM Thursday, March 7, 2024: Austin City Council
• 6:30 PM Tuesday, March 12, 2024: Community Development Commission  

Comments can be made in person or remotely at both meetings. Review instructions for participating in public comment: www.SpeakUpAustin.com/MyCommunityNeeds. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please call (512) 974-2210 OR (512) 974-2445 TDD

HUD Funding Background

The City of Austin receives federal funding through four grants administered by HUD: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). The 5-Year Consolidated Plan allocates federal resources to housing and community development and serves as an application for funding through these four grants. Programs are funded across several City departments including renter help, homebuyer and homeowner assistance, mental health support, childcare, senior services, housing and community development support, and homelessness assistance.

An annual Action Plan is developed each year to guide the implementation of those dollars received through the four HUD grants. As a wrap-up to each year, a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) evaluates the performance and activity of federally funded programming. Community feedback on these guiding plans occurs annually through the Action Plan and CAPER to help shape programs that meet community needs. This year, 2024, kicks off the next five years of the Consolidated Plan framework.

To learn more about how these dollars have been invested in the past and the factors that drive funding decisions, visit www.SpeakUpAustin.com/MyCommunityNeeds.