I Belong In Austin- Rental Assistance Application 

The application portal for the I Belong In Austin (IBIA) rental assistance program is currently open through Saturday, June 7 at 5 p.m. The program is administered by El Buen Samaritano and provides financial assistance with rent, moving, storage, and relocation costs for tenants at risk of eviction. Check eligibility and apply for assistance at www.AustinTexas.gov/rent.  

The application portal will open each month while funds are available to allow for an efficient and equitable program administration. A high volume of applications is anticipated. If applicants are not selected and assistance is still needed, applicants are encouraged to reapply when the portal reopens. 

Down Payment Assistance 

Buying a home in Austin? Income-eligible first-time homebuyers may qualify for our Down Payment Assistance program.  

For eligible buyers, the program provides: 

• 0% interest loan covering up to $40,000 toward a down payment and closing costs on a home (not to exceed a sales price of $579,025 for the 2024-25 year)  
• Loan forgiveness options after 5 or 10 years 

ℹ️ Learn more about eligibility requirements and how to complete Homebuyer Education courses at www.AustinTexas.gov/homebuyer. 

Sharing a Story of Hope 

As a high school teacher in Austin, Matthew Marin’s income made it tough for him to qualify for a conventional mortgage. Through his job, he heard about the City of Austin’s Down Payment Assistance Program. He connected with a lender and was introduced to a local broker. With their help, he began the search for a comfortable home in a neighborhood near both his school and a dog park. The broker helped guide Matthew, avoiding hurdles that can trip up buyers trying to use the shared-equity assistance program, from property conditions to unforeseen legal challenges.

Within two months, they had found a 516-square-foot, dog-friendly condo near work that “felt cozy and fit my personality,” he says Achievements such as this display the possibilities for families working to live in the city they love while pursuing the future they dream of. In 2024, the Down Payment Assistance program helped distribute $1 million across 29 households. 

Looking for affordable rental housing in Austin?

Search the Affordable Housing Online Search Tool (AHOST) by entering in your household income and household size to view affordable rental properties. The Affordable Housing Online Search Tool (AHOST) is a searchable map and listing of income-restricted affordable rental housing within the City of Austin*.  

Each property also has detailed information that helps renters find housing that best meets their needs, such as:  

• Contact Information  
• Affordability Levels  
• Nearby Schools  
• Amenities  
• Communities Served 
• Acceptance Criteria 

*The AHOST database includes income-restricted rental units from governmental agencies (Housing Authority of the City of Austin, Housing Authority of Travis County, City of Austin, and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs). 

NAHLFA Announces 2025 Award of Excellence Winners

We celebrated recognition of our work in affordable housing developments from the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (NALHFA). The NALHFA Award of Excellence is the most prestigious recognition award in the local affordable housing finance community. The award recognizes the mission-driven work to provide affordable housing to those who need it most.  

• Redevelopment Excellence Award Recipient: Foundation Communities Balcones Terrace 
• Single Family Excellence Recipient: Austin Community Land Trust (ACLT) 

City of Austin celebrates groundbreaking for the Colony Park Sustainable Community

After much anticipation, the City of Austin officially broke ground on the Colony Park Sustainable Community on Thursday, April 3. A ceremony and celebration brought together community members, city officials, and business leaders to celebrate the launch of this transformative opportunity. 

Colony Park is a community-led effort to develop 208 acres of City-owned property in Austin. When complete, the development is projected to deliver as many as 3,000 residential units comprised of single-family homes, attached row/town homes, mixed-use multi-family apartments, approximately 230,000 square feet of mixed-use office, civic, and institutional space, and approximately 130,000 square feet of mixed-use retail space. Additionally, the development will improve access to health care services, parks and open spaces, healthy food options, economic vitality, educational opportunities, workforce housing, and will improve quality of life and access to City resources.  

For updates and more information about the Colony Park Sustainable Community, visit austintexas.gov/colonypark. 

Provide Your Input on the 2026 Bond Package

The 2026 General Obligation (GO) Bond is an opportunity to invest in the future of our city, but it’s important that it reflects the priorities and needs of our community. That’s why we’re asking for your input. Whether you attend a community meeting, fill out a survey, or engage with us online, your feedback will help shape the projects that move forward. Additionally, tell your family and friends to participate too! This is your city, your tax dollars, and your opportunity to make a difference. 

Learn more and get involved at AustinTexas.gov/Bond2026. 

Every year, the City of Austin develops an Action Plan that describes how federal funding will be used for housing and public services. A new plan will begin on October 1. The draft of that plan is available for the public to view. The City’s Housing Department oversees this funding and invites community members to provide comments on the draft. To review and comment, visit SpeakUpAustin.org/ActionPlan2026. 

Sharing a reminder to find upcoming events on our Housing Engagement Hub!

• Stay Informed -  Sign up for our monthly Austin Housing Newsletter and read previous editions for the latest updates.   

• Share Your Voice - Share input on current initiatives and read the impact of past engagement opportunities.   

• Find us in the Community - See which local events our staff will be attending to share housing resources and plan to join us. 

• Connect with Resources - Access, download, and share program flyers of helpful information. 

Visit SpeakUpAusting.org/HousingHub to stay up to date on where to find us in community!

Upcoming Community Events

Get to Know Your Veteran Benefits

Presentations by the Veterans Benefits Administration, Texas Veterans Commission, City of Austin, and the Veterans Land Board with topics on Land Sales and Home/Land Loans, among others:  

📆June 11, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  

📍Austin Outpatient Center (7901 Metropolis Dr. Room 1G-101, Austin, TX 78744)  

🆓 Free and open to the public 

Central Texas Juneteenth Parade & Festival

Juneteenth, also known as "Freedom Day" or "Emancipation Day," is the oldest known African American celebration commemorating the end of slavery. This annual event features a parade with floats and entertainment, and a celebration with food and local vendors.

📆June 19, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.  

📍Rosewood Park + Historic East Austin (2300 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702)  

🆓 Free and open to the public 

Frost Home Improvement Event

Join Frost Bank and learn about free home repair programs, how to choose a contractor and hear guest speakers! 

📆June 21, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  

📍Dove Springs Recreation Center (5801 Ainez Dr, Austin, TX 78744)  

🆓 Free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided and prizes awarded. Seating is limited. 

📝 Register at https://forms.office.com/r/KT1SRMgB2Q 

Save the Date! Party at the People's House

We All Belong. The Party at the People's House is a celebration of belonging and the eclectic mix of cultures that make Austin such a weird and wonderful place to live. The event will showcase all local food vendors, musicians, DJs, family activities, community organizations and City departments. 

📆June 28, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 

📍Austin City Hall (301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701) 

🆓 Free and open to the public

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