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Welcome Deletta Dean- Director of Austin Housing!
We are excited to welcome Deletta Dean as the new Director of Austin Housing! Deletta brings more than 25 years of experience advancing equitable community development, affordable housing & policy, and neighborhood revitalization. With a strong foundation in municipal governance and cross-sector collaboration, she has led transformative housing initiatives across nonprofit, public, and philanthropic sectors. Deletta brings a nuanced understanding of housing systems, and the tools needed to drive inclusive, resident-centered solutions. Her work consistently focuses on data-informed decision-making, equity-centered program design, and building sustainable community partnerships. Deletta holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Public Affairs with a concentration in nonprofit management from Park University, and she earned her Certified Public Manager designation from the University of Kansas.
“Austin is a vibrant city, growing with opportunity and honoring deep cultural roots. I am eager to dive into the community to connect and understand more about what our neighbors need,” explains Deletta Dean, Director of Austin Housing. “We will focus our efforts to create and preserve affordable housing opportunities with a resident-centric approach to ensure that we are helping Austinites stay in Austin.”
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Senate Bill 840 in Austin
On September 1, more than 800 laws went into effect in Texas from the 89th Legislative Session. These new laws impact Austinites in a variety of ways, including Senate Bill (SB) 840.
SB 840 allows multifamily residential or mixed-use residential development in any commercial zone or any commercial use building. Under SB 840, multifamily and mixed-use residential developments in commercial zones will, by right, be able to:
- Reach a height that is the greater of 45 feet or the height that applies to commercial uses for the site.
- Reach a density of up to 54 units per acre.
- Include setbacks that are the lesser of 25 feet or the setbacks imposed on commercial uses.
- Develop unlimited floor-to-area ratio (FAR).
Visit the SpeakUpAustin.org/LDCupdates for more information about SB 840's impact on the development process and review the SB 840 information sheet.
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NLIHC Releases Report on State Projects Funded by the National Housing Trust Fund in 2020!
The National Housing Trust Fund: A Summary of 2020 State Projects report is part of NLIHC’s effort to document the impact of the national Housing Trust Fund (HTF). The report summarizes how each state and the District of Columbia planned to use $323 million allocated in 2020 by the HTF. For Adaptive Reuse, 10 states reported to NLIHC projects that created 586 new units (100 assisted with 2020 HTF funds and 153 units assisted with HTF funds from previous and/or subsequent years’ allocations) using $19,821,877 in 2020 HTF funds and $29,388,484 including HTF funds from other years’ allocations.
Balcones Terrace with Foundation Communities was highlighted in the report for converting a former hotel into 123 units of PSH for people experiencing homelessness.
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Accelerating Affordable Homeownership in Austin
The Austin Community Land Trust Accelerator, a Community Initiated Solutions partnership with Business and Community Lenders of Texas (BCL), supports community organizations helping to bridge the wealth gap through affordable housing. Working with Gudalupe Neighborhood Housing Corporation (GNDC), Austin Revitalization Authority, and Blackland Community Development Corporation, the program helps participants launch and scale Community Land Trusts (CLTs) to create long-term affordable homeownership opportunities along anticipated Project Connect transit lines.
“Trust and understanding are also important components of this program, and to support this, we offer specialized homebuyer education that will specifically outline the aspects of owning a community land trust home and participation on the CLT neighborhood boards,” says Pamela Garcia, Chief of Staff for BCL. “The August cohort meeting included a 'Speed Dating with Funders' session where each member had eight minutes to network and build relationships with various CLT lenders.”
The goal is to build a strong CLT ecosystem in Austin which helps community-led organizations move from conception to home-sales, expanding the dream of homeownership to more residents. To learn more about how to participate in the Austin Community Land Trust Accelerator, call BCL at 512-912-9884 or visit www.BCLofTexas.org/community/austincltaccelerator.
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Austin Water | Water Recycling Projects Costs Now Covered
Austin Water recently launched its GoPurple program to increase water recycling projects in and around Austin. These water recycling projects extend drinking water supplies and make the community more resilient to drought and climate change. The program includes up to $0.5 million for large multi-family projects to cover costs for installing water recycling systems and up to $1.5 million in funding for qualified affordable housing projects to fully subsidize the cost of installing water recycling systems. Participation in the program helps meet the goals of the city’s Water Forward plan and make sure everyone has access to safe, reliable, and affordable water for the next century. More details can be found on the Austin Water webpage: .
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Back to School Community Party at Twelve100 Brings Big Smiles
The Back to School party at Twelve100 was a hit! Over 50 residents joined the fun, with kids receiving free school supplies (more on the way!). Families enjoyed shave ice, a bouncy house, face painting, and giant bubbles, creating a joyful, vibrant atmosphere. Residents shared heartfelt thanks for these gatherings and the sense of connection between neighbors.
Twelve100 is a multifamily property near the Domain and along the Northern Walnut Creek Trail. Located at 12100 Metric Boulevard, this strategic acquisition by Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) preserves and enhances affordability near major job and entertainment centers. The community includes 384 units and offers 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units.
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Development Services Department | Second Series of Land Development Academy Classes
The second speaker series of the Land Development Academy series is a great opportunity to start building your knowledge or continue your deep dive into the regulations and processes that guide site plan review in Austin.
Visit the Land Development Academy website to learn more and register for these new classes. If you have questions or need help, please email dsdcommunications@austintexas.gov.
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Economic Development Department | New Co-op Housing Opportunities
Changes to Austin's residential property rules allow for new, smaller-scale cooperative housing options. The City of Austin Economic Development Department has partnered with Austin Cooperative Business Association for training. Property and homeowners as well as architects and developers can learn how to create and finance one! Get practical tactics and real examples on:
- Developing small-scale co-ops by adding units to your lot under new HOME provisions;
- Using extra units from HOME to develop community-oriented cottage courts and pocket neighborhoods; and
- Crowdfunding housing development through selling shares of a Cooperative Housing Development Corporation.
📆September 17, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍Free and online
🆓 Register here!
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You're receiving this communication because you have applied for funding before or worked the City of Austin Housing Department in the past.
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