NXP Seeks Greater Investment in Austin, Fostering Innovation and Growth

Sep 08, 2023 11:45 am

The City of Austin Economic Development Department is currently engaging in discussions with NXP Semiconductors N.V., a prominent semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in the Netherlands, to improve and expand its semiconductor chip manufacturing operations in Austin. Supported by the Chapter 380 Economic Development award, NXP's investment has the potential to generate an estimated annual economic impact of $560 million. To foster a collaborative environment for this local expansion package, the City will host a dedicated public comment period starting September 8 at 5 p.m. encouraging community feedback.

NXP is currently evaluating the potential to enhance its manufacturing capabilities at its two Austin-based chip manufacturing facilities. Should Austin be selected as the destination for this growth opportunity, the facilities will undergo retooling to optimize production lines, aligning them more effectively with the company's market demands. The projected capital investment of $290.8 million for this undertaking would facilitate the expansion of NXP's range of viable products and secure the ongoing operation of its Austin facilities. This initiative would also create 53 jobs over five years. Moreover, this endeavor would significantly bolster the semiconductor manufacturing sector in Austin, playing a pivotal role in addressing escalating global market demand for semiconductors and mitigating national security concerns stemming from semiconductor chip shortages. 

"Empowering economic growth requires strategic collaboration and bold investments,” explains Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the Economic Development Department. “In our pursuit of cultivating a thriving community, we are dedicated to forging partnerships that not only strengthen our local industries but also resonate on a global scale. By fostering innovation and embracing opportunities like this, we are shaping a resilient future for Austin and beyond."  

The City of Austin’s Economic Development Chapter 380 Policy provides a framework for creating diverse programs in the form of grants, loans, and other strategic initiatives. Projects meeting the criteria for eligibility, including NXP, involve investments in Austin aimed at advancing the principles of equitable prosperity, opportunity, and affordability. Under this policy framework, NXP stands to potentially benefit from a property tax reimbursement of up to 65% contingent on the company’s capital investment and job creation over the proposed five-year term of the agreement. The 65% property tax reimbursement is comprised of the following:  

• 40% - Chapter 380 Base Reimbursement of eligible property taxes 
• 10% - Establishment of an Employee Transition and Workforce Training Program 
• 15% - Additional Performance-based Bonus Awards for hiring economically disadvantaged employees and participating in sustainable business practices 

NXP Semiconductors is actively coordinating efforts internally with Austin's Office of Sustainability, Small and Minority Business Resources (SMBR), Financial Services Department, Austin Energy, and Austin Water.  

The City of Austin values the insights and perspectives of our local community as we embark on this project with NXP Semiconductors. To ensure an inclusive and collaborative decision-making process, the Economic Development Department will launch a dedicated public comment period. Beginning on September 8 at 5 p.m. to September 15 at 5 p.m., Austinites are encouraged to share their feedback, ideas, and concerns regarding the local expansion package.   

The Economic Development Department is leading this innovative, local expansion project with NXP to ensure Austin remains competitive in the semiconductor manufacturing industry by investing in modern technology and hiring trained and local Austin residents. This strategic initiative aligns with the Global Business Expansion Division’s broader objectives, which encompass facilitating domestic and international expansion projects, advancing industry development, supporting business retention, and investing in workforce development. The division remains dedicated to nurturing a dynamic and sustainable economic landscape that benefits Austin and its global stakeholders alike. 

To learn more about the Economic Development Department's Global Business Expansion Division, please visit www.austintexas.gov/department/global-business-expansion-division.    

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NXP busca una mayor inversión en Austin, fomentando la innovación y el crecimiento 

La Ciudad solicita la opinión de la comunidad para el paquete de ampliación local antes del 15 de septiembre 

El Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin está manteniendo conversaciones con NXP Semiconductors N.V., un destacado fabricante de semiconductores con sede en Holanda, para mejorar y ampliar sus operaciones de fabricación de chips semiconductores en Austin. La inversión de NXP, respaldada por el premio al Desarrollo Económico del Capítulo 380, tiene el potencial de generar un impacto económico anual estimado en 560 millones de dólares. Para fomentar un entorno de colaboración para este paquete de expansión local, la Ciudad abrirá un periodo específico de comentarios públicos, a partir del 8 de septiembre a las 5 p.m. alentando el aporte de la comunidad. 

NXP está evaluando actualmente la posibilidad de mejorar sus capacidades de fabricación en sus dos instalaciones de fabricación de chips de Austin. En caso de que Austin sea seleccionada como destino para esta oportunidad de crecimiento, las instalaciones se someterán a una remodelación para optimizar las líneas de producción, alineándolas más eficazmente con las demandas del mercado de la empresa. La inversión de capital prevista de $290.8 millones para este emprendimiento  facilitaría la ampliación de la gama de productos viables de NXP y garantizaría el funcionamiento continuado de sus instalaciones de Austin. Esta iniciativa también crearía 53 puestos de trabajo en cinco años. Además, esta iniciativa reforzaría significativamente el sector de fabricación de semiconductores en Austin, desempeñando un papel fundamental para hacer frente a la creciente demanda mundial de semiconductores y mitigar los problemas de seguridad nacional derivados de la escasez de chips semiconductores. 

"Potenciar el crecimiento económico requiere colaboración estratégica e inversiones audaces", explica Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Directora del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico. "En nuestro empeño por cultivar una comunidad próspera, nos dedicamos a forjar asociaciones que no sólo fortalezcan nuestras industrias locales, sino que también resuenen a escala mundial. Al fomentar la innovación y aprovechar oportunidades como ésta, estamos moldeando un futuro resiliente para Austin y más allá."  

La Política del Capítulo 380 de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin proporciona un marco para crear diversos programas en forma de subvenciones, préstamos y otras iniciativas estratégicas. Los proyectos que cumplen los criterios de elegibilidad, incluido NXP, implican inversiones en Austin destinadas a promover los principios de prosperidad equitativa, oportunidad y asequibilidad. Bajo al marco de esta política, NXP podría beneficiarse de un reembolso del impuesto predial de hasta el 65%, en función de la inversión de capital y la creación de empleo de la empresa durante los cinco años de vigencia del acuerdo. El reembolso del 65% del impuesto predial se compone de lo siguiente:  

• 40% - Reembolso Base de los impuestos prediales elegibles bajo el Capítulo 380  
• 10% - Establecimiento de un Programa de Transición de los Empleados y de Formación de la Mano de Obra 
• 15% - Primas adicionales basadas en el rendimiento por contratar a empleados desfavorecidos económicamente y participar en prácticas empresariales sostenibles 

NXP Semiconductors coordina activamente sus esfuerzos internos con la Oficina de Sostenibilidad de Austin, Recursos Para Pequeñas Empresas y de Minorías (SMBR), el Departamento de Servicios Financieros, Austin Energy y Austin Water.  

La Ciudad de Austin valora las opiniones y perspectivas de nuestra comunidad local al embarcarnos en este proyecto con NXP Semiconductors. Para garantizar un proceso de toma de decisiones integrador y colaborativo, el Departamento de Desarrollo Económico pondrá en marcha un periodo específico de comentarios públicos. A partir del 8 de septiembre a las 5 p.m. y hasta el 15 de septiembre a las 5 p.m., se anima a los residentes de Austin a compartir sus opiniones, ideas y preocupaciones sobre el paquete de ampliación local. 

El Departamento de Desarrollo Económico lidera este innovador proyecto de expansión local con NXP para garantizar que Austin siga siendo competitiva en la industria de fabricación de semiconductores mediante la inversión en tecnología moderna y la contratación de residentes capacitados de Austin. Esta iniciativa estratégica se ajusta a los objetivos más amplios de la División de Expansión Empresarial Global, que abarcan facilitar proyectos de expansión nacional e internacional, promover el desarrollo de la industria, apoyar el mantenimiento de las empresas e invertir en el desarrollo de la mano de obra. La división sigue dedicada a fomentar un panorama económico dinámico y sostenible que beneficie tanto a Austin como a sus interlocutores globales. 

Para más información sobre la División de Expansión Empresarial Global del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico, visite www.austintexas.gov/department/global-business-expansion-division.    

  

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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. 

NXP Semiconductors 

NXP USA, Inc. (the Company) is a subsidiary of NXP Semiconductors N.V (NXP), a Netherlands-based, NASDAQ-listed manufacturer of semiconductor technology. The Company has approximately 31,000 team members in more than 30 countries. In addition to Austin, the company also has wafer fabrication facilities in Arizona. NXP has a strong, decades-long history in Austin (formally as Motorola and then Freescale Semiconductor), where the Company has been designing and manufacturing semiconductors vital to the automotive, industrial, mobile and communication infrastructure markets since 1974. The Company has two existing manufacturing facilities in Austin (3949 Ed Bluestein Blvd [ATMC] and 6501 W. William Cannon [OHT]). The vast majority of the locally-produced semiconductor wafers supply the automotive manufacturing industry, addressing a critical national priority. NXP is a longstanding Austin corporate citizen and is active in the local community, with numerous civic involvements through local volunteerism activities and contributions to multiple charitable campaigns. 

Celebration of Life for Barton Springs Tree “Flo”

All third-party Certified Arborist assessments of the iconic Barton Springs leaning pecan tree affectionately known as “Flo” are now complete. After evaluating all options and public safety risk, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) sadly must remove the tree.  

The Department recognizes the importance of this tree to many community members and welcomes them to visit “Flo” for a Celebration of Life ceremony on September 13 at 7:00 PM at Barton Springs Pool. The event honoring “Flo” will feature a water blessing and provide attendees with time to say farewell to this beloved old friend.  

In addition, the Department is collecting stories, memories, and photos about “Flo.” The public is also invited to share their remembrances at treestories@austintexas.gov. 

Background and Next Steps 
 
Following the confirmed lab diagnosis of Kretzschmaria deusta on August 15, 2023, PARD contacted independent Certified Arborists to provide follow-up inspections and independent professional opinions to help guide management decisions. All four Arborists recommended removal of “Flo” due to safety concerns and the lack of treatment options. 

There is no effective treatment for brittle cinder fungus. Because the disease feeds on live tissue, it can cause otherwise healthy-looking trees to collapse under their own weight. The City Arborist confirmed that the presence of Kretzschmaria deusta meets the dead, diseased, or imminent criteria for protected and heritage trees and, therefore, will issue a removal permit without requiring mitigation or an administrative variance. The tree removal is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, September 14 during hours that the Barton Springs Pool is closed to allow for a safety work zone. 
 
Currently, a restricted area extends into the pool and prevents ADA access to the bathrooms, as the ADA path goes directly under the tree. Additionally, if the tree were to come down naturally, there would likely be damage to the pool deck that would need to be addressed. 

For more information about “Flo” including background information, photos, and reports, visit austintexas.gov/BSPtree. 

City of Austin and Austin Firefighters Association have a New Labor Contract

On September 8, 2023, the arbitration panel involving the City of Austin and the Austin Firefighters Association (AFA) defined the terms of a new labor contract.  This contract is effective immediately and does not require any approval or other action by the City Council or the AFA.   

Some of the key terms in the arbitration award are:

• A contract term that runs through September 30, 2025.
• Base wage increases of 4% for the City’s Fiscal Year 2023, 4% for Fiscal Year 2024, and 4% for Fiscal Year 2025.  The FY23 and FY24 increases will be combined and will start with the first payroll in the 2024 fiscal year.
• Additional one-time lump sum payments to the firefighters.
• Additional pay stipends for firefighters in the Fire Department’s Wildfire Battalion, Arson Division, and Dispatch Division.    
• An additional pay stipend for Assistant Fire Chiefs. 
• Elimination of random drug testing and post-accident drug testing for firefighters.  In addition, the award includes language that excuses firefighters from discipline who test positive for cannabis so long as they have a prescription for medical cannabis, are using it as prescribed, and are not impaired while on the job.
• Adding Juneteenth as a paid holiday for firefighters.
• Shortening the firefighters’ workweek by one hour, with this provision to be implemented by no later than the last month of the contract term.  At the time the Fire Chief implements this change he will be able to fill one additional position on his executive staff by appointment rather than through the civil service promotion process.  

This award concludes the interest arbitration proceeding that was initiated by the firefighters union in July 2022.  Speaking about the award, Acting Assistant City Manager, Bruce Mills, said: “This arbitration has been a new and rather protracted process, but we are pleased with the arbitrator panel’s decision and award. We believe we have arrived at a good result for both the Austin Firefighters Association and the City. That said, and regardless of our belief that the arbitration panel delivered us a fair decision, going forward, our hope and continued goal is that we will be able to mutually achieve the next labor contract with the Firefighters Association through the collective bargaining process.” 

Historic Brush Square and O. Henry Museum Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Sunday, September 17 at 1:30 pm at Brush Square

Join the Parks and Recreation Department for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday, September 17 at 1:30 pm at Brush Square, 409 E. 5th St., to celebrate the completion of a major renovation of historic Brush Square and the restoration of the O. Henry Museum. The ribbon cutting includes a performance by local band Big Wy's Brass Band. The Brush Square Museums will be open and celebrating Austin Museum Day with hands-on history activities at the Susanna Dickinson Museum and word games for the whole family with Texas-themed prizes at the O. Henry Museum.

The 2019 Brush Square Vision Plan resulted from years of planning efforts and envisioned Brush Square as an inclusive, vibrant space in Austin’s rapidly growing downtown. The Phase I implementation includes improvements to the sight lines and circulation through improved grading and drainage as well as new walkways, an expansive event lawn, seat walls, raised decking, interpretive signage, new lighting and site furnishings, and landscaping.

The O. Henry Museum restoration includes roof repairs, window and door restoration, as well as wood siding repair and repainting. System upgrades include HVAC and security system replacement, new electrical wiring, and installation of a fire protection system. Site improvements include landscape, irrigation and lighting, and construction of a new stone patio at the back of the house.

Brush Square was designated as one of three public squares in the 1839 original plat of Austin. Three of the historic squares, Wooldridge, Republic, and Brush Squares, thrive to this day, each reflecting a unique character. Before Brush Square was developed into a park in 1913, it was used as a public market and cotton yard. Three buildings are located on the square: The O. Henry Museum, relocated in 1934; Central Fire Station #1, constructed in 1938; and the Susanna Dickinson Museum, relocated in 2001.

Both the Brush Square and O. Henry Museum projects were funded by the Historic Preservation Fund in partnership with the Heritage Tourism Division of the Economic Development Department. The fund, made possible through Hotel Occupancy Tax, helps preserve and restore Austin’s historic treasures.
 

$1.5 Million in Grants Awarded to Local Creative Spaces

 

65 Creative Space Assistance Program grantees supported through City of Austin

The City of Austin Economic Development Department announces nearly $1.5 million in funds awarded to 65 local arts non-profit organizations through the Creative Space Assistance Program. This program awarded grants between $5,000 and $50,000 to creative organizations and independent artists with commercial studio spaces facing displacement or new commercial leases at higher and unaffordable rates. Recipients will use their funds for revenue-generating space improvements, lease payments, and gap financing for creative space purchases.  “Austin’s creative organizations and independent artists are a cornerstone of our city’s identity,” states Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the Economic Development Department. “These grants represent an investment in local creative organizations and professionals, who are susceptible to the increasing operational expenses within the city. Our team takes pride in providing essential funding to ensure that creatives can persist in their creative efforts that contribute to the well-being of our entire community.  The Creative Space Assistance Program embodies the City of Austin’s commitment to foster a vibrant and diverse artistic ecosystem. To view the complete list of the 2023 grantees, visit the Creative Space Assistance Program website.  View the summary dashboard of demographics for the 2023 Creative Space Assistance Program applicants and awardees.  43% of grantees identify their leadership as majority diverse race/ethnicity  46% of grantees identify their leadership as majority female or non-binary  1,735 people employed by the 65 grantee organizations  16 median years of operation of grantees  Funding for the Creative Space Assistance Program, which is managed by the Economic Development Department’s Music & Entertainment Division, is sourced through the City of Austin general fund. The upcoming round of applications, anticipated to take place in early 2024, presents an exciting opportunity for Austin's creative spaces to receive funding and continue to enrich our city's vibrant artistic community.  For more information on the Creative Space Assistance Program and other funding opportunities, visit www.atxmusic.org $1.5 millones en subvenciones para espacios creativos locales  65 organizaciones subvencionadas por el Programa de Asistencia para Espacios Creativos apoyados por la ciudad de Austin. AUSTIN, TX– El Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin anuncia la financiación de casi $1.5 millones otorgada a 65 organizaciones artísticas locales sin fines de lucro a través del Programa de Asistencia para Espacios Creativos. Este programa otorgó subvenciones de entre $5,000 y $50,000 a organizaciones creativas y artistas independientes con espacios de estudio comerciales que se enfrentan al desplazamiento o a nuevos alquileres comerciales a precios más altos e inasequibles. Los beneficiarios utilizarán los fondos para realizar mejoras en los espacios que generen ingresos, pagar alquileres y financiar la compra de espacios creativos.  "Las organizaciones creativas y los artistas independientes de Austin son una pieza fundamental de la identidad de nuestra ciudad", afirma Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Directora del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico. "Estas subvenciones representan una inversión en las organizaciones y los creativos profesionales, que son susceptibles al aumento de los gastos operativos dentro de la ciudad. Nuestro equipo está orgulloso de proporcionar financiación esencial para garantizar que los creativos puedan continuar con sus esfuerzos creativos que contribuyen al bienestar de nuestra comunidad".  El Programa de Asistencia para Espacios Creativos representa el compromiso de la ciudad de Austin de fomentar un ecosistema artístico vibrante y diverso. Para ver la lista completa de los subvencionados de 2023, visite el sitio web del Programa de Asistencia para Espacios Creativos.  Vea el tablero de datos demográficos de los solicitantes y premiados del Programa de Asistencia para Espacios Creativos 2023.  El 43% de los subvencionados identifican a sus líderes como de raza/etnia mayormente diversa.  El 46% de los subvencionados identifican a sus líderes como mujeres o personas no binarias en su mayoría.  1,735 personas empleadas por las 65 organizaciones subvencionadas  16 años de funcionamiento en promedio de las organizaciones subvencionadas  La financiación del Programa de Asistencia para Espacios Creativos, gestionado por la División de Música y Entretenimiento del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico, proviene del fondo general de la ciudad de Austin. La próxima ronda de solicitudes, anticipada para principios de 2024, presenta una gran oportunidad para que los espacios creativos de Austin reciban financiación y continúen enriqueciendo la vibrante comunidad artística de nuestra ciudad.  Para más información sobre el Programa de Asistencia para Espacios Creativos y otras oportunidades de financiación, visite www.atxmusic.org. ### 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.

HSEM Language Access Plan Updated: New Languages Added to Emergency Alerts Webpage

The City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) has updated the HSEM Limited English Proficiency (LEP) & Language Access Plan, and the languages available on the Emergency Alerts webpage - www.austintexas.gov/alerts. This webpage is City of Austin’s primary resource for current emergency information in multiple languages.

During a disaster or emergency, the Emergency Alerts webpage is an official source for critical emergency information from the City of Austin and Travis County. The information on this page is to help people know what hazard is impacting the community and immediate actions to take to stay safe. The type of information changes based on the current hazard, but includes information on Cooling Centers, Warming Centers, shelters, wildfire evacuation information, or any other active hazard. 

“Ensuring our community has access to critical lifesaving information in the language they need is a priority for the City,” said Ken Snipes, Director for the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “Our goal is to get the right information to the right people at the right time.”  

HOW IT WAS UPDATED 
HSEM translates emergency information into priority languages. Priority languages are determined using data from the 2021 American Community Survey (ACS) or US Census data, Austin Police Department (APD), Austin Public Health (APH), Austin Municipal Court, Austin Independent School District (AISD), Capital Metro, Caritas of Austin, Refugee Services of Texas, and Casa Marinella. The City of Austin determines that a language is a priority language when there are 1000 or more people in the population who reported to, "speak English less than very well" in the American Community Survey (ACS) data or US Census. The City updates its data and recommended languages every three years, and the Emergency Alerts webpage was updated in concert.  

WHAT CHANGED 
Based on the latest census and other sources of data, three additional languages have been added to the City’s priority language lists and two are removed. Tigrinya, Swahili, and Nepali are newly added among the professionally translated languages and now available at austintexas.gov/alerts. Translations in Traditional Chinese and Urdu will no longer be available on the Alerts page. Chinese Simplified will remain an available language. The population of people who speak these languages has increased to meet the Language Access translations threshold of 1000 or more people in the population who reported to, "speak English less than very well" in the American Community Survey (ACS) data or US Census. More additional languages not directly translated can be manually selected on the City’s website using the translations drop down on the top right corner of a computer screen.  

Current Priority Languages & Translated Emergency Alerts  
Emergency information is translated for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 languages, which are determined based on population data. The languages below are listed in order of increasing to decreasing population in the City of Austin boundaries.  

Tier 1 language translations are recommended as part of the Limited English Proficiency Language Access Plan.   

• American Sign Language* 
• Spanish 
• Chinese Simplified  
• Vietnamese 
• Arabic 
• Korean 
• French 
• Hindi  

*American Sign Language interpretations are not based on population and are available through the Accessible Hazard Alert System (AHAS) on the Emergency Alerts webpage. 

Tier 2 language translations are encouraged as part of the Limited English Proficiency Language Access Plan. 

• Pashto 
• Burmese 
• Tigrinya - NEW 
• Swahili -NEW 
• Nepali -NEW 

WHAT IS NEXT 
Funding to update the HSEM LEP Language Access plan was provided in FY23, and continued funding was allocated for plan implementation in FY24. Next, the public can expect increased outreach to Limited English Proficient communities to help ensure access to critical emergency information. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO 
Please share the Emergency Alerts page with anyone you know who may prefer to speak a language other than English, especially if it is one of the languages our alerts are translated into. Help us share the graphics and spread the word. 

New, Affordable Rental Housing Units Approved for Southeast Austin

The City of Austin Housing Department announces funding for two developments totaling 160 additional permanent supportive housing units in District 3, as approved by the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) Board on August 31. AHFC, a nonprofit affiliate of the City, is authorized to enter into a loan agreement to provide $5,500,000 in funding for a rental development known as The Roz through the 2022 General Obligation Bonds, as well as $6,795,000 in funding for a rental development known as The Sasha. Leasing opportunities for The Roz and The Sasha are expected to open in Fall 2025.   These two developments were the only applications in 2023 to receive 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) in the city, in addition to the first distributions of the 2022 City of Austin GO Bonds, approved by Austin voters last year. LIHTC allows housing developers to sell federal tax credits to eligible investors, who provide much needed equity for building low-income rental housing developments. LIHTC is a federal program enabled by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) and allocated to each state. In Texas, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) administers tax credits.   “These two rental developments – The Roz and The Sasha – are milestones for permanent supportive housing serving low-income, vulnerable populations in Austin,” explains Rosie Truelove, Director of the Housing Department. “We are proud to leverage tools like LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credits) and bonds to benefit our community’s need for more affordable housing.”   Dating back to 1991, the AHFC was one of the first Housing Finance Corporations to participate in a LIHTC development in Texas, if not in the United States. With nearly 30 years of institutional experience in developing and managing affordable housing and with a growing team of internal staff and external consultants, AHFC is poised to significantly increase the number of assets under its general control over the coming years. In AHFC’s multifamily developments, it exercises control either as sole owner, as the general partner or as managing member of the partnership/company.     The Roz Rendering of Cady Lofts property - which is similar in layout and design to The Roz multi-family development.  The Roz will be a multi-family rental development located at 3432 Parker Lane with 100 efficiency units targeted for supportive housing. All units will be affordable for households earning at or below 60% median family income. All 100 units will have project-based vouchers ensuring that residents are able to live on-site regardless of their ability to pay. The Roz is adjacent to City View at the Park Apartments, a 70-unit LIHTC development for residents aged 55+ and culminates a long-awaited phase two development on the City View property. AHFC purchased City View last year.    The $5.5 million Rental Housing Development Assistance (RHDA) loan for The Roz will go toward pre-development and construction costs. The Rental Housing Development Assistance (RHDA) Program works to expand the community’s supply of affordable rental housing for low-income households and to increase the availability of permanent supportive housing for persons experiencing homelessness or low-income households with special needs.   The Roz rental development will include a commitment of 60 local housing vouchers from the City of Austin. Developers have also received 25 housing choice vouchers from the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) and 15 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers to assist the remaining 40 units and support the long-term tenure of the low-income residents. The $5.5 million RHDA loan, in conjunction with the housing choice vouchers, will eliminate the need for privately sourced debt and substantially reduce long-term cost liabilities.   Developers and Partners   Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) is the general partner, co-developer, and ground lessor in this project.    SGI Ventures, a developer and tax credit and private activity bond consultant, is a co-developer on this project.   Endeavors, a Special Limited Partner and 501c3 Nonprofit, will provide robust on-site services.    Saigebrook Development and O-SDA Industries will serve as development consultants.   New Hope Housing will serve as a supportive housing coordinator and management consultant.   The Sasha Rendering of The Sasha multi-family rental development.    The Sasha will be a multi-family rental development located in southeast Austin off Riverside Dr with 60 units comprised of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units — 30 units of permanent supportive housing and 30 units of transitional supportive housing. The Sasha received $2,979,517 from the 2022 General Obligation Bonds and $3,815,483 from Project Connect funding. The Sasha is located within 1/2 mile of the Riverside Drive Mobility & Activity Corridor and Riverside Station Activity Center and within 1/4 mile of high-frequency transit service in close walking proximity to multiple bus stops.   The Sasha will provide supportive housing to the SAFE Alliance (SAFE) Campus in Southeast Austin. SAFE works to address and end multigenerational cycles of violence and abuse, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, sex trafficking, and family violence. This development will support individuals and small families transitioning out of homelessness, persons at risk of homelessness, persons who are fleeing or homeless as a result of domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking, or individuals who are aging out of the foster care system with transitional and permanent supportive housing.  Developers and Partners  DMA Development Company, LLC (DMA) is an experienced Austin-based real estate development company with more than a quarter of a century of experience in affordable housing.   SAFE has over 49 years of experience managing a variety of housing types, including emergency shelters, supportive housing, rapid rehousing, as well as intensive support services for victims of child abuse, family violence, sexual assault, and trafficking. People experiencing these issues can reach out to the SAFEline for 24/7 confidential support through call, chat and textline at (512)267-7233 or learn more at safeaustin.org/get-help.   The SAFE Alliance Affordable Housing Corporation (SAFE AHC) has 20 years of experience providing permanent affordable housing. SAFE AHC understands that safe and affordable housing is homeless prevention and is actively working with local developers to increase affordable housing for vulnerable individuals and families.  Forge Craft is an Austin-based architecture and design firm whose commitment to advances in the art and science of design is solving big challenges and improving lives and the community we live in.  For more information about the developers and to review development project applications, visit www.austintexas.gov/page/current-applications.    ###   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.