Capital Delivery Services, Austin Transportation and Public Works, and Council Member Alison Alter Break Ground on Spicewood Springs Regional Mobility Project

City of Austin, including Council Member Alison Alter, joined Capital Delivery Services, Austin Transportation and Public Works in breaking ground on the Spicewood Springs Regional Mobility Project at the Austin Board of Realtors' park on Friday morning. The project, funded by the 2016 Mobility Bond, will expand Spicewood Springs Road from two to four lanes between Loop 360 and Mesa Drive, addressing safety concerns and enhancing mobility in the area.   Construction, commencing this month, will span approximately a fifth of a mile between Mesa Drive and Loop 360, incorporating shared-use lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as medians. The project, estimated at $31 million, is slated for completion by December 2026.   Council Member Alter emphasized the project's impact on safety, stating, "Between 2012 and 2017, 47% of vehicle collisions along this stretch resulted in an injury. I am very pleased that the new improvements will not only create a safer and more efficient road but will do so preserving green space."   Alter highlighted the project as a crucial addition to the city's mobility options, saying, "With the new shared paths that will be on both sides of the road, this project will increase the mobility options for the area and truly serve Austin's many families and workers as they make their way through our community." Steve Grace, Interim Assistant Director of Capital Delivery Services, mentioned the city's commitment to environmental preservation during construction. "We worked with environmental consultant Hicks & Co. to protect the various unique animals that live along the road, ensuring construction would not impact the endangered Jollyville Plateau Salamander or disrupt Golden-Cheeked Warbler nesting activity," Grace said.   Jim Dale, Interim Deputy Director of Transportation and Public Works, highlighted the need for improved infrastructure for everyone in the city. “One message our residents have consistently delivered to us is they want safer, more efficient ways to move around Austin no matter what transportation method they are using,” Dale said. “This Spicewood Springs Road project is a great example of the City delivering on that mandate from Austinites.”   To engage with the community, Capital Delivery Services and Transportation and Public Works will host a "Meet the Contractor" event on December 13 at 6 p.m. at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa Drive. Residents will have the opportunity to view the plans and pose questions to city officials and DeNucci Constructors, the project's builder.

About Capital Delivery Services:  Capital Delivery Services (CDS) builds public projects to support the community. We have the right people with the right experience to plan, design, build, and inspect projects to deliver on-time and on-budget. he core of our staff includes engineers, architects and other professionals with a wealth of experience managing small and large projects. We bring additional expertise to the table through the collaboration with our partners – whether community members, consultants, contracting teams, or other City departments. We are focused on one City, one team, one approach.  For more information, visit www.austintexas.gov/department/capital-delivery-services. ###

AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL APPROVES HOME PHASE 1 WITH A 9-2 SUPERMAJORITY VOTE

Austin, Texas, December 7^th, 2023 — Today the Austin City Council passed significant housing reform measures to address the city’s housing emergency with the approval of the first phase of HOME, or Home Options for Middle-Income Empowerment.
 
This initiative passed with an impressive 9-2 vote, an acknowledgment by a supermajority of Council district leaders of the great challenges posed by Austin’s housing shortage and rising median home prices that are far beyond the means of average Austinites. The approval of HOME Phase 1 grants ordinary homeowners more options and promotes smaller, single-family homes for potential homebuyers.
 
Key Highlights of HOME Phase 1 Approval:

• Up to 3 Units Allowed: Homeowners are now allowed to have up to three homes on their property, granting more flexibility to house family members, caregivers, or to generate passive income to stay in place.
• Tiny Homes: Easier installation of tiny homes will be possible, one of the most accessible and affordable ways to add a home on a lot.
• Preservation & Sustainability Bonus: Incentives to preserve the distinctive character of our neighborhoods and minimize materials going into the landfill are now available across the city.
• House Size Limits: Size constraints that new homes under the program meet the goals of the initiative for smaller, more attainable housing. 

The City Council's resounding support for HOME Phase 1 underscores our shared commitment to addressing the housing crisis comprehensively and innovatively. This initiative reflects the city's dedication to creating opportunities for residents to live, thrive, and contribute to the vibrancy of our community.
 
Council Member Leslie Pool brought forward the resolution on July 20 with Council Member Chito Vela, Council Member Zo Qadri, Mayor Pro Tem Paige Ellis, and Mayor Kirk Watson. Three more Council Members joined as co-sponsors at that vote: Council Member Ryan Alter, Council Member José Velásquez, and Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison. This measure also passed with a 9-2 supermajority. 
 
“The status quo of limited housing options is not sustainable in this current environment,” CM Pool said. “We can do so much better for teachers, first responders, small business employees, construction employees, government workers, and nurses – people who have good jobs but can’t afford to invest in our city.”
 
"Today, the worst thing we can do for Black and brown families in Austin is nothing,“ CM Vela stressed. “Displacement is happening because our existing code bans the types of housing that middle-income families can afford. When the price of land is high in a growing city, we have to allow people to build their homes on less land."
 
 “I was proud to join as a co-sponsor of Council Member Pool’s resolution in July that initiated HOME, and I’m excited to see the first phase come to fruition today,” said CM Ryan Alter. This proven, commonsense reform will help address our desperate need for housing that is more affordable and more environmentally friendly in all areas of Austin. I want to thank CM Pool for her leadership and for working with my office to add additional protections for our tree canopy.  This will ensure HOME is a win for both affordability and sustainability.”

“HOME will create a more walkable, bikeable city by giving people flexibility with the property they already own,” Mayor Pro Tem Ellis noted. “If we want to limit sprawl and congestion, we need our land use planning to allow complete communities where more families are able to build a life close to where they live, work, and play.”
 
CM Qadri said, “I was pleased to offer the preservation incentive amendments that were included in the final vote. The preservation and sustainability bonuses strengthen the HOME Initiative. Preserving existing structures furthers the City’s affordability, cultural preservation, and climate goals by diverting construction debris from the landfill.”
 
“It is important to understand the historical context of restrictive single-family zoning,” CM Harper-Madison observed. “Our land development code has been used to close doors and limit opportunities for our low- and middle-income communities and the current status quo will continue to negatively impact housing affordability. The HOME initiative will provide the power of choice to homeowners and buyers.”
 
“We’re committed to addressing Austin’s housing emergency after years of being mired in debate and litigation,” said Mayor Kirk Watson. “The ordinance we passed today reflects much of the extensive feedback we’ve received from our community and includes additional provisions to preserve existing homes and neighborhoods. These changes are essential to ensuring that Austin can move into the future as the open, vibrant, and inviting community we’ve all strived to create here.”
 
HOME Endorsements
 
HOME is widely supported individually and collectively by a wide spectrum of community and professional organizations, from labor unions, advocates for older adults, transit and housing advocates, and small business groups. The initiative has garnered national notice, as well, reflecting broader, documented housing concerns well beyond Austin's city limits. The following is the list to date:

AARP Texas AFL-CIO Austin Central Labor Council AURA Austin Apartment Association Austin Board of Realtors Austin Chamber of Commerce Austin Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America Austin Contractors & Engineers Association Austin EMS Association Austin Habitat for Humanity Austin Infill Coalition Austin Institute of Architects (AIA) Austin LGBT Chamber Capital Metro Central Texas Associated Builders and Contractors Central Texas Building Trades Congress for the New Urbanism Central Texas (CNU CTX) Environment Texas Farm & City Friends of Hyde Park Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce Home Builders Association of Greater Austin Housing Works International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 520 (IBEW) LiUNA! (Laborers International Union of North America) National Nurses United Opportunity Austin Preservation Austin Real Estate Council of Austin (RECA) Transit Forward University Democrats

 
Next Steps
 
Next steps for the HOME Initiative include the Phase 2 consideration of smaller lot sizes to promote smaller, missing middle housing choices and starter homes within the city, and will be taken up in 2024.
 
At the Council’s December 14 meeting, members from the East Austin District Council Offices are bringing an initiative to explore more tools to ensure community members have access to the HOME program. Council Member Harper-Madison, Council Member Fuentes, Council Member Velasquez, and Council Member Vela are working to add to the benefits of HOME with down payment assistance options for low- and middle-income homeowners, an outreach campaign to neighborhoods on access to capital and resources, and an updated plan for infrastructure in areas potentially impacted by increased housing.
 
To provide more information about HOME, the Office of Council Member Leslie Pool launched the HOME Website with the latest news on the initiative.

Austin City Council Passes HOME Code Amendments – Phase 1

On Thursday, December 7, the Austin City Council passed new code amendments for the first phase of the “Home Options for Middle-Income Empowerment” (HOME) Initiative, with a 9-2 supermajority.  The approved code amendments are among a series of updates to the City’s Land Development Code (LDC), which governs land use regulations in Austin, intending to provide more housing types and increase housing supply within single-family zoned areas of Austin. These amendments also provide homeowners with additional flexibility and options for their properties by: 

• Allowing up to three units: Increasing the number of homes allowed on single-family lots to three units, giving homeowners the ability to provide on-site housing options to family members, a caregiver, or earn additional income. 

• Including Tiny Homes: Making it easier to install a tiny home, an accessible and affordable way to add a small house to a property. 

• Creating Preservation and Sustainability Bonuses: Incentivize saving existing homes that conserve neighborhood character and help keep materials out of area landfills. 

• Encouraging the Creation of Smaller Homes: Regulates the size and scale of houses while promoting smaller “starter homes” for homebuyers.  

The amendments apply to Austin properties zoned as Single-Family Residence Large Lot (SF-1), Single-Family Residence Standard Lot (SF-2), and Family Residence (SF-3). Homeowners can check the zoning of their property using this interactive Property Profile tool.  In addition to zoning, other considerations such as site limitations, homeowners’ associations, deed restrictions, and tree regulations may impact a property’s ability to add housing units.  

Homeowners are not required to do anything new to their property. They can continue using their property as a single-family home or choose new options and build up to three homes, including tiny homes. 

These amendments also eliminated restrictions in the LDC regarding the number of unrelated adults that can live in one home, including single-family homes and apartments. Occupancy limits will continue to be regulated under the City’s Property Maintenance Code (Chapter 4, Section 404) which has enforceable occupancy limits based on square footage per person to ensure health and safety and prevent overcrowding. 

Council Approves Transformative Milestones for Colony Park

 

Approved items support essential services, public amenities, and housing options

The City of Austin Economic Development Department, in partnership with Catellus Development Corporation, is pleased to announce City Council’s approval of two key advancements for the development of the Colony Park Sustainable Community on November 30. The approved items encompass zoning updates and the terms for an agreement to develop the 208-acre property. These decisions support the development of the site as a master-planned community, including essential services, public amenities, and diverse housing options.    When complete, the Colony Park Sustainable Community is projected to deliver up to 3,000 residential units comprised of a mix of single-family homes and multi-family apartments; approximately 230,000 square feet of mixed-use office and institutional space; 130,000 square feet of mixed-use retail space; and 42 acres of parks, trails, and open space.   The Colony Park Sustainable Community Initiative was launched in 2012 through a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Over the past decade, the City engaged extensively with the community, holding numerous meetings, workshops, and family-focused events to shape the vision for the 208 acres of city-owned land in northeast Austin near Loyola and Decker Lane.  Since adopting the community vision in 2014, the City of Austin, in collaboration with the Colony Park neighborhood and other stakeholders, conducted a national search for a development partner from which Catellus Development Corporation was chosen in 2018. Collaboratively, the City, Catellus, and the Colony Park community have refined the 2014 land use plan, aligning it with current market demands and infrastructure needs while preserving the community’s vision.    “We are thrilled with City Council’s approval of the two key advancements, marking a significant stride in the realization of the Colony Park Sustainable Community,” mentions Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the Economic Development Department. “This underscores our collective vision, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact on northeast Austin. These milestones reflect years of community engagement and planning, and we look forward to the transformative journey ahead.”  Barbara Scott, President of the Colony Park Neighborhood Association, expressed her enthusiasm, saying “It has taken us over 11 years to get here, but the action taken by City Council on November 30 has brought us one step closer to seeing the Colony Park Community's vision for this area of the eastern crescent fulfilled. We look forward to the signing of the development agreement and to the long-awaited transformation of this community.”  Sergio Negrete, Vice President of Development for Catellus, echoed the sentiment, stating “With unwavering commitment, our team (McCann Adams Studio, Civilitude, HDR, Horizon, McLean & Howard, and Smith Strategies) in partnership with the Economic Development Department and collaboration with every City of Austin review department navigated a complex rezoning effort, aligning seamlessly with the community’s vision. As we look ahead, we are thrilled to bring the community’s goals into reality, a testament to the collaborative efforts amongst community stakeholders and a shared commitment from the City of Austin."  The next steps in the process include returning to City Council early next year to finalize the financing package and related items. The development agreement with Catellus is estimated to be complete in early 2024. Street and public utility infrastructure construction is estimated to commence in late 2025, with residential and commercial building construction anticipated to begin in 2027.  For more information on the Colony Park Sustainable Community, visit www.austintexas.gov/content/colony-park.  El concejo municipal aprueba medidas transformativas para Colony Park Las medidas aprobadas apoyan servicios esenciales, servicios públicos y las opciones de vivienda El Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin, en colaboración con la Corporación de Desarrollo Catellus, anuncia la aprobación por parte del concejo municipal de dos avances esenciales para el desarrollo de la comunidad sostenible de Colony Park el 30 de noviembre. Los artículos aprobados incluyen actualizaciones de zonificación y los términos de un acuerdo para desarrollar la propiedad de 208 hectáreas. Estas decisiones apoyan el desarrollo del sitio como una comunidad planificada, incluyendo servicios esenciales, servicios públicos y diversas opciones de vivienda.   Una vez completada, se prevé que la comunidad sostenible de Colony Park ofrezca hasta 3,000 viviendas, compuestas por una mezcla de hogares para una sola familia y apartamentos multifamiliares; aproximadamente 230,000 pies cuadrados de oficinas de uso mixto y espacio institucional; 130,000 pies cuadrados de espacio comercial de uso mixto; y 42 hectáreas de parques, senderos y espacios abiertos.   La iniciativa de la comunidad sostenible de Colony Park comenzó en el 2012 gracias a una subvención de $3 millones del Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los Estados Unidos. A lo largo de la última década, la ciudad ha colaborado con la comunidad en numerosas juntas, talleres y eventos familiares para dar forma a la visión de las 208 hectáreas de terreno propiedad de la ciudad en el noreste de Austin, cerca de las calles Loyola y Decker.   Desde la adopción de la visión de la comunidad en el 2014, la Ciudad de Austin, en colaboración con el vecindario de Colony Park y otras personas involucradas, llevó a cabo una búsqueda nacional de un socio de desarrollo del cual la Corporación de Desarrollo Catellus fue elegido en el 2018. En colaboración, la ciudad, Catellus y la comunidad de Colony Park han afinado el plan de uso del terreno del 2014, alineándolo con las demandas actuales del mercado y las necesidades de infraestructura, preservando al mismo tiempo la visión de la comunidad.   "Estamos encantados con la aprobación por parte del concejo municipal de los dos artículos fundamentales, que marcan un paso importante en la realización de la comunidad sostenible de Colony Park", menciona Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, directora del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico. "Esto resalta nuestra visión colectiva, y esperamos que tenga un impacto positivo en el noreste de Austin. Estos logros reflejan años de compromiso y planificación de la comunidad, y estamos entusiasmados con el viaje que tenemos por delante."   Barbara Scott, presidenta de la Asociación de Vecinos de Colony Park, expresó su entusiasmo: "Hemos esperado más de 11 años para llegar hasta aquí, pero la medida adoptada por el concejo municipal el 30 de noviembre nos ha acercado un paso más a ver cumplida la visión de la comunidad de Colony Park para la zona este. Esperamos la fecha de la firma del acuerdo de desarrollo y la transformación de esta comunidad."   Sergio Negrete, vicepresidente de Desarrollo de Catellus, coincidió con ese sentimiento y declaró: "Con un compromiso firme, nuestro equipo (que incluye a McCann Adams Studio, Civilitude, HDR, Horizon, McLean & Howard y Smith Strategies), en asociación con el Departamento de Desarrollo Económico y en colaboración con todos los departamentos de revisión de la ciudad de Austin, ha llevado a cabo un complejo proceso de rezonificación, en línea con la visión de la comunidad. Mirando hacia el futuro, estamos encantados de hacer realidad los objetivos de la comunidad, un testimonio de los esfuerzos de colaboración entre las partes interesadas de la comunidad y un compromiso mutuo de la ciudad de Austin". Los próximos pasos en el proceso incluyen volver al concejo municipal a principios del próximo año para finalizar el paquete de financiación y los elementos relacionados. Se calcula que el acuerdo de desarrollo con Catellus se completará a principios del 2024. Se estima que la construcción de las calles y de las infraestructuras de servicios públicos comience a finales del 2025, y que la construcción de edificios residenciales y comerciales comience en el 2027.   Para más información sobre la comunidad sostenible de Colony Park, visite www.austintexas.gov/content/colony-park. ### About the City of Austin Economic Development Department   The City of Austin Economic Development Department supports business growth, creative industries, and local communities. These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents.

Testing Urged as Sexually Transmitted Infections Rise in Austin-Travis County

 

FREE or low-cost testing and treatment resources are available to curb the spread of infection

Rising numbers of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Austin-Travis County have officials urging individuals to use local FREE or low-cost testing and treatment resources to prevent the spread of infection.  “Anyone can get an STI, but many don’t show symptoms,” said Austin-Travis County Public Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “At the same time, many STIs can be treated, and early detection can prevent major complications and spread. With the rate of infection rising nationally and locally, we urge everyone to get tested regularly and treat any infections as soon as possible.”  Rates of infection increasing in Austin-Travis County  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the levels of many STIs including gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia have increased across the nation, and Austin-Travis County is unfortunately following suit. The most current data available from the Texas Department of State Health Services show some alarming statistics including:  The number of new chlamydia infections per person remains stable but still high at 614.8 cases per 100,000 population in 2020. The rate of new cases of gonorrhea per person for Travis County has been steadily increasing with a 50 percent increase from 2015 to 2020.  In 2015, the number of new primary and secondary syphilis cases per person in Travis County was 15.7 per 100,000 population. By 2020, cases increased by 30 percent to 20.7 cases per 100,000 population. The new infection rate for HIV has been declining in Travis County since 2015, but there are still disparities. Black women in Travis County have the highest rate of new HIV diagnoses compared to women of other races and ethnicities.    Common STIs may not have symptoms  Many STIs, including chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV) and HIV may not show symptoms. Individuals may have an infection without knowing and unwittingly pass that infection on to their partner or partners. Infected people with an untreated STI may also develop other health concerns or complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, cancer, infertility, heart disease, organ failure or chronic pain.   Get tested and treat STIs to protect yourself and others  A critical step to prevent the spread of STIs is to get tested regularly, even if you don’t have symptoms or don’t think you were exposed. Early treatment can prevent complications from STIs and keep you from passing one to someone else. You can also get vaccinated against HPV and start PrEP to prevent contracting HIV. .   City of Austin offers FREE or low-cost resources for STI testing  Anyone in Austin or Travis County can take advantage of FREE or low-cost resources for STI testing and treatment, including:  3rd Annual LGBTQIA+ Health and Resource Fair – Dec. 9, 2023, 12 - 5p.m., Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, TX 78752, free parking available with validation. This public event offers STI/HIV testing, valuable resources from community organizations, entertainment and more.  RBJ Sexual Health Clinic – 15 Waller St., Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., and 1 - 5 p.m., appointments recommended. $20 for testing and treatment of common STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV.  Red Ribbon program – FREE testing for HIV as well as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis throughout the City by appointment or at the mobile clinic.     About Austin Public Health  Austin Public Health is the health department for the City of Austin and Travis County. Austin Public Health works to prevent disease, promote health and protect the well-being of all by monitoring and preventing infectious diseases and environmental threats and educating about the benefits of preventative behaviors to avoid chronic diseases and improve health outcomes.

Rental Assistance Available through the City’s “I Belong in Austin” Program

 

Residents can check eligibility and apply at www.austintexas.gov/rent

La versión en español sigue a continuación. Tiếng Việt العربية 普通话 Français 한국어 हिदी فارسی AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin Housing Department announces that applications are open for 8 million dollars of rental assistance and eviction prevention support. Administered by El Buen Samaritano, the City’s new I Belong in Austin program will provide financial assistance with rent, moving, and storage/relocation costs for tenants at risk of eviction. Residents are encouraged to review eligibility and apply for rental assistance at www.AustinTexas.gov/rent.  “This work is a vital part of our displacement prevention strategy to help families stay in their homes,” explains Rosie Truelove, Director of the Housing Department. "Partnering with El Buen for I Belong in Austin will help us provide relief and housing assistance to vulnerable households throughout Austin.”  El Buen will work closely with the City, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA), and Volunteer Legal Services (VLS) to provide eviction prevention support, tenant relocation services, and emergency rental dollars to communities in their preferred language.   “IBIA is literally saving lives by ensuring safe spaces for children, elderly and adults. The dignity of being housed brings hope, health, and happiness to many that are experiencing unimaginable situations,” stated Dr. Rosamaria Murillo, Chief Executive Officer for El Buen Samaritano. “We are honored to be a path to peace, health, and wellbeing for thousands of individuals at such a critical moment in their lives when they are a step away from being rendered unhoused.”   The distribution of rental assistance funds by El Buen will be guided by the lessons learned from emergency rental assistance provided through the Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants program during COVID-19. Improvements include increased program access by providing walk-in hours, a call center, and developing a user-friendly online application process. The Housing Department has worked with El Buen since the pandemic in building a rental assistance program.   “There were many lessons learned through the RENT program, where we distributed more than $77 million to over 18,000 households. Most importantly, we have learned that the needs still exist; emergency rent assistance and eviction prevention is a critical step to help keep families housed, preventing them from sliding into our homeless population,” stated Nefertitti Jackmon, the City’s Community Displacement Prevention Officer.  The ongoing collaboration with El Buen, TLRA, VLS, and other partners is another important key to the program's success. If you or anyone you know is struggling to pay rent or is at risk of eviction, apply for I Belong in Austin at www.austintexas.gov/rent. Asistencia para el pago del alquiler disponible a través del programa “I Belong in Austin”  Los residentes pueden verificar elegibilidad y presentar su solicitud en www.austintexas.gov/rent AUSTIN, TX – El Departamento de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Austin anuncia que se han abierto las solicitudes para asistencia para el pago del alquiler y prevención de desalojo por 8 millones de dólares. Administrado por El Buen Samaritano, el nuevo programa “I Belong in Austin” de la ciudad brindará asistencia financiera para costos de alquiler, mudanza y almacenamiento/reubicación para inquilinos en riesgo de desalojo. Alentamos a los residentes a revisar la elegibilidad y solicitar asistencia para el alquiler en www.AustinTexas.gov/rent.  “Este trabajo es una parte esencial de nuestra estrategia de prevención contra el desplazamiento para ayudar a familias a permanecer en sus hogares”, explica Rosie Truelove, Directora del Departamento de Vivienda. “La asociación con El Buen Samaritano para el programa “I Belong in Austin” nos ayudará a brindar alivio y asistencia de vivienda a todos los hogares vulnerables de Austin.”  El Buen Samaritano trabajará estrechamente con la ciudad, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) y Servicios Legales Voluntarios (VLS) a fin de brindar prevención contra el desalojo, servicios de reubicación para inquilinos y dinero para alquiler de emergencia a comunidades en su idioma preferido.   “IBIA literalmente salva vidas, garantizando lugares seguros para niños, ancianos y adultos. La dignidad de tener una vivienda trae esperanza, salud y felicidad a muchas personas que experimentan situaciones inimaginables, declaró la Dra. Rosamaría Murillo, directora ejecutiva de El Buen Samaritano. “Nos sentimos honrados de poder ser un camino hacia la paz, la salud y el bienestar de cientos de personas en momentos críticos de sus vidas cuando están a un paso de quedarse sin hogar”.  La distribución de fondos de asistencia para el alquiler por parte de El Buen Samaritano estará guiada por la experiencia previa de la asistencia para alquiler de emergencia provista durante el programa de Alivio de Necesidades de Emergencia para Inquilinos durante COVID-19. Las mejoras incluyen mayor acceso a programas al brindar horarios para presentarse en persona, un centro de llamadas y el desarrollo de un proceso de solicitud en línea fácil de usar. El Departamento de Vivienda ha trabajado con El Buen Samaritano desde la pandemia, en el desarrollo de un programa de asistencia para el pago del alquiler.   “Hubo muchas lecciones que aprendimos a través del programa RENT, mediante el cual distribuimos más de $77 millones a más de 18.000 hogares. Lo más importante es que hemos aprendido que todavía existen necesidades; la asistencia de emergencia para el pago del alquiler y la prevención del desalojo son un paso crítico para ayudar a las familias a mantener su hogar, y así evitar que pasen a nuestra población de personas sin hogar”, declaró Nefertitti Jackmon, Funcionaria de Prevención del Desalojo Comunitario de la Ciudad.  La colaboración actual con El Buen Samaritano, TLRA, VLS y otros socios es otro punto importante en el éxito del programa. Si usted o alguien que conoce está teniendo dificultad para pagar el alquiler o tiene riesgo de ser desalojado, presente una solicitud para el programa “I Belong in Austin” en www.austintexas.gov/rent.  ###  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.  Acerca del Departamento de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Austin  El Departamento de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Austin provee vivienda equitativa e integral, desarrollo comunitario y prevención de desplazamiento para mejorar la calidad de vida de todos los austinianos. Para acceder a recursos comunitarios y de vivienda económica, visite www.austintexas.gov/housing.

$660,000 in Public Art Opportunities

 

Applications for three public art opportunities close on December 19

AUSTIN, TX – The Economic Development Department Art in Public Places Program (AIPP) is seeking professional visual artists and artist-led teams interested in creating artwork for public places in Austin. Commission budgets for three distinct projects range from $70,000 to $400,000. Applications for the three public art opportunities close on December 19 at 5 p.m.  “Art has the power to shape the soul of a city, reflecting its essence and weaving together the diverse threads of its identity,” explains Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the Economic Development Department. “Through the Art in Public Places Program, we are not just working with artists to create installations, we provide opportunities that result in experiences that resonate with the heartbeat of Austin.”  Open Call for Austin-based Artists  Family Violence Shelter & Protection Center  The project aims to integrate the visions of key stakeholders into a functional and well-designed facility providing shelter for women and children experiencing family violence in Central Texas. The building design will incorporate trauma-informed design principles to foster healing and improve overall well-being.  Artwork Budget: $70,000  Open Call for Texas-based Artists  Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center   Now entering the second phase of development, improvements include expansion and renovation of the facility to meet the growing needs of the community. The successful completion of this phase will bolster programs dedicated to cultivating a profound understanding and appreciation of Mexican American, Native American, Chicano, and other Latin American cultures.  Artwork Budget: $190,000   Open Call for National Artists  Palmer Events Center  The project offers an opportunity to create a tactile, visually engaging artwork on the 2nd level of the Palmer Event Center's main entrance lobby space. The artwork should consider the natural context of the space and earthy interior finishes, utilizing technology to inform, illuminate, and provide humor or narrative.  Artwork Budget: $400,000  Austin’s creative economy is a growing ecosystem influencing various sectors. The Economic Development Department recognizes the city's growth and creative interests, creating a demand for artists experienced in diverse mediums. For details on AIPP, public art opportunities, and eligibility, visit www.austintexas.gov/aipp.   $660,000 en oportunidades de arte público  Las solicitudes para tres oportunidades de arte público se cierran el 19 de diciembre   El Programa de Arte en Lugares Públicos (AIPP, por sus siglas en inglés) del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico busca artistas visuales profesionales y equipos de artistas interesados en crear obras de arte para lugares públicos de Austin. Los presupuestos de los tres proyectos varían entre $70.000 y $400.000. Las solicitudes para las tres oportunidades de arte público se cierran el 19 de diciembre a las 5 p.m.  "El arte tiene el poder de moldear el alma de una ciudad, reflejando su esencia y tejiendo los diversos hilos de su identidad", explica Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Directora del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico. "A través del Programa de Arte en Lugares Públicos, no sólo colaboramos con artistas para crear instalaciones, sino que ofrecemos oportunidades que dan lugar a experiencias que resuenan con el pulso de Austin".  Convocatoria abierta para artistas de Austin  Centro de Protección y Refugio contra la Violencia Familiar  El objetivo del proyecto es integrar las visiones de los interesados en una instalación funcional y bien diseñada que proporcione refugio a mujeres y niños víctimas de la violencia familiar en el centro de Texas. El diseño del edificio incorporará principios de diseño que tengan en cuenta el trauma para fomentar la curación y mejorar el bienestar general.  Presupuesto de la obra: $70,000  Convocatoria abierta para artistas de Texas  Centro Cultural México-Americano Emma S. Barrientos   Ahora que se inicia la segunda fase de desarrollo, las mejoras incluyen la ampliación y renovación de las instalaciones para satisfacer las crecientes necesidades de la comunidad. La realización de esta fase reforzará los programas dedicados a cultivar una profunda comprensión y apreciación de las culturas mexicoamericana, nativa americana, chicana y otras culturas latinoamericanas.  Presupuesto de la obra: $190,000   Convocatoria abierta para artistas nacionales  Centro de Eventos Palmer  El proyecto ofrece la oportunidad de crear una obra de arte táctil y visualmente atractiva en el segundo nivel del vestíbulo de la entrada principal del Centro de Eventos Palmer. La obra de arte debe tener en cuenta el contexto natural del espacio y los colores terrenales de los interiores, utilizando la tecnología para informar, iluminar y aportar humor o narrativa.  Presupuesto de la obra: $400,000  La economía creativa de Austin es un ecosistema en crecimiento que afecta a diversos sectores. El Departamento de Desarrollo Económico reconoce el crecimiento de la ciudad y sus intereses creativos, creando una demanda de artistas con experiencia en diversos medios. Para más detalles sobre AIPP, oportunidades de arte público y elegibilidad, visite www.austintexas.gov/aipp.  ###  About the City of Austin Economic Development Department    The City of Austin Economic Development Department supports business growth, creative industries, and local communities. These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. To learn more about helpful resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/edd and subscribe to our newsletter. Connect with us @AustinEconDev on Facebook, @AustinEconDev on X, and @AustinEconDev on YouTube.   Información sobre del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin   El Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin fomenta el crecimiento empresarial, las industrias creativas y las comunidades locales. Estos programas construyen una economía equitativa y sostenible que enriquecen las vidas de los habitantes de Austin. Para obtener más información acerca de recursos útiles, visite www.austintexas.gov/edd y suscríbase a nuestro boletín. Conéctese con nosotros en @AustinEconDev en Facebook y @AustinEconDev en X y @AustinEconDev en YouTube.

City Council Members Speak on HOME Initiative to Help Create Smaller Single-family Homes

Who: Hosted by Council Members Leslie Pool and Chito Vela, with all council members invited
What: Press Conference
Where: City Hall Press Conference Room 
When: Tuesday, December 5, 12 p.m.
Why: City Council Poised to Vote on HOME Phase 1

A coalition of HOME supporters, including AARP Texas, Austin EMS Association, Capital Metro, and more will speak in advance of the December 7^th City Council vote on the first phase of HOME. The initiative is designed to give existing homeowners more options and create smaller, more attainable housing for middle-income households.
 
Council Member Leslie Pool brought forward the resolution on July 20 with Council Member Chito Vela, Council Member Zo Qadri, Mayor Pro Tem Paige Ellis, and Mayor Kirk Watson. Three more Council Members joined as co-sponsors at that vote: Council Member Ryan Alter, Council Member José Velásquez, and Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison. The measure passed with a 9-2 supermajority.
 
HOME Phase 1 is now in draft ordinance form, and achieves the goals of the resolution in the following ways:

1. Up to 3 Units Allowed: Increases the number of homes allowed on single-family lots to three units, giving homeowners options to house family members, a caregiver, or earn passive income to pay the bills.
2. Tiny Homes: Makes it easier to install a tiny home, one of the most accessible and affordable ways to add another house to a property.
3. Preservation & Sustainability Bonus: Creates an incentive to save existing homes that preserve neighborhood character and helps keep materials out of the landfill.
4. House Size Limits: Incentivizes the creation of more homes and constrains their size to promote smaller and more attainable housing.

To aid in providing more information about HOME, the Office of Council Member Leslie Pool launched the HOME Website with the latest news on the initiative.