Item Language: Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to initiate new programs, streamline processes, and build on the City’s existing resources to ensure the recently adopted amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) regarding regulations for housing units (also known as the Home Options for Middle-Income Empowerment “HOME” Initiative) are accessible to low- and moderate-income homeowners, helping minimize the impacts of displacement.
We are a coalition of nonprofit organizations, income-restricted Affordable housing developers, housing and policy experts, and other businesses and individuals that support the development of safe, Affordable housing for Austin residents.
The Austin Housing Coalition defines affordability as ensuring that residents do not pay more than 30% of their income on housing, and programmatically that housing be affordable for the spectrum of individuals and families, both renters and homeowners, who cannot afford market-rate housing in Austin.
We enthusiastically support the resolution under consideration and any programs or opportunities to make the diversity of housing options that will soon be available through the HOME initiative easily and proactively available to low and moderate income homeowners, helping them take advantage of the program, and helping to address and prevent displacement. We also want to stress the need for investment and budget allocation toward these programs, in addition to policy changes.
Thank you for your continued work on this important issue.