Share your community needs! 

Share your community needs by attending a Public Hearing and/or filling out the Needs Assessment Survey that informs the Action Plan. The programs from this federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant fund affordable housing, job creation, and public service needs for low- and moderate-income families, persons with disabilities, and seniors. 

Needs Assessment Public Hearing: Tuesday, May 12th at Community Development Commission at Austin City Hall  (301 W. 2nd Street) 

Draft Action Plan Public Hearing: Thursday, May 21st at Austin City Council at Austin City Hall (301 W. 2nd Street) 

Thinking about Buying a Home? Start with a Homebuyer Education Class

Ready to turn your “someday” into a set of keys in your hand? Homebuyer education classes are one of the easiest—and smartest—steps you can take on your path to homeownership. These classes break down the entire process in a way that’s empowering, practical, and yes…actually enjoyable. 

Take a Homebuyer Education class to help you: 

• Unlock more financial help – Many down payment assistance programs require a HUD‑approved homebuyer education certificate. 
• Lenders love it – Most lenders accept these certificates for special homebuyer programs, giving you access to better options and smoother approvals. 
• Boost your confidence – Learn about credit, budgeting, mortgages, inspections, closing, and what to expect after you move in—all in one place. 
• Avoid costly surprises – A little knowledge now can save you thousands later. 

Here in Austin, you’ve got trusted local providers ready to help: 

• BCL of Texas – Offering engaging workshops and counseling to prepare you for long‑term, successful homeownership. 
• Frameworks Community Development Corporation – Your neighborhood partner for HUD‑approved classes and personalized guidance. 

Not in Austin or sharing this with friends elsewhere? HUD offers a nationwide directory of approved providers here: https://www.hud.gov/counseling 

Red Oaks Apartments: New Affordable Rental Community Opens in Anderson Mill

Red Oaks, a brand‑new 70‑unit affordable apartment community, is now open and leasing in Northwest Austin at 11723 N FM 620 Road. Developed by Housing Trust Group (HTG) in partnership with NBA Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning’s nonprofit, AM Affordable Housing, Red Oaks offers modern studio, one‑, two‑, and three‑bedroom homes for income‑qualified households earning 30%, 50%, and 60% of Area Median Income, with remaining available homes starting at $1,118. Residents enjoy contemporary finishes, a resort‑style pool, fitness center, dog park, and on‑site services. Lease‑up specials are currently available, and income‑qualified households are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Learn more or schedule a tour at www.redoaksapts.com or call (737) 383‑0428. 

Norman Commons Opens in East Austin, Bringing 156 Affordable Homes to District 1

We are excited to announce the much-anticipated opening of Norman Commons, a new affordable housing community located in District 1 at 5712 Jackie Robinson St. The opportunity to develop this city-owned site was awarded by the AHFC to Foundation Communities and fellow nonprofit, Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation (GNDC), through a competitive RFP process.  

Norman Commons development brings 156 new rental homes to East Austin, serving households at or below 30%, 50%, and 60% of the median family income (MFI), with a mix of one- to four-bedroom units designed for individuals and families. At least 16 units will be accessible for individuals with disabilities, while 3 will be set aside for individuals with sensory impairments. Norman Commons represents a strategic investment in preserving affordability and preventing displacement in East Austin, where rising housing costs continue to impact long-time residents and working families. 

For anyone experiencing homelessness in the Austin/Travis County area, a Coordinated Assessment (CA) is a good first step on the path back to a place to live. The CA is a housing needs evaluation where anyone experiencing homelessness in Austin/Travis County can apply for the majority of our community’s housing programs. For an up-to-date list of agencies that offer CAs, visit www.austinecho.org/gethelp.

$26.8 Million Awarded to Build and Preserve Affordable Housing in Austin

We are pleased to announce that Austin City Council and the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) have recently approved just under $26.8 million to support eight affordable multi-family and ownership housing developments across the city. 

• South First Affordable Apartments 

• The Sasha 

• Verbena Flats 

• Goodnight Ranch  

• Ada Anderson Place  

• Johnny Limon Village  

• 806 Vargas  

• 3124 Father Joe Znotas 

These developments span across several city council districts, including Districts 1, 2, 3 and 5. These investments create and preserve both rental and ownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income households, reinforcing Austin’s ongoing commitment to affordability, stability, and equitable growth. 

Protecting Austin's Vulnerable - The Roz Permanent Supportive Community

We celebrated the opening of The Roz, a 100-unit permanent supportive housing (PSH) community located at 3435 Parker Lane in District 3. Developed and owned by AHFC and SGI Ventures with consulting from O-SDA Industries and New Hope Housing, the development serves individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. All 100 studio homes are fully furnished, each equipped with high-efficiency appliances, lighting, and durable flooring. Every home will have a dedicated voucher, ensuring residents can live at the property regardless of their ability to pay, with 60 project-based vouchers from AHFC’s Local Housing Voucher Program and 40 project-based vouchers from the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, 15 of which are for veterans. 

Additionally, residents have access to community amenities, including a library, cyber lounge, multi-purpose room, outdoor seating areas, laundry facilities, and offices. Meeting rooms for supportive services coordinators and health professionals are also available on-site. Volunteers of America manages the property, while Endeavors, Inc. and Housing Support Services Alliance provide wrap-around resident services. 

For anyone experiencing homelessness in the Austin/Travis County area, a Coordinated Assessment (CA) is a good first step on the path to services and housing. The CA is a housing needs evaluation where anyone experiencing homelessness in Austin/Travis County can apply for the majority of our community’s housing programs. For an up-to-date list of agencies that offer CAs, visit www.austinecho.org/gethelp. 

FY26 Equity Mini Grant Program is now open - apply today!

Austin Equity & Inclusion is now taking submissions for the FY26 Equity Mini Grant Program, which awards $25,000 in one-time funding to community-based initiatives benefitting immigrant and refugee communities in Austin, Travis County, and the City's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. 
 
This year's funding supports projects that foster belonging, increase access to services, reduce barriers, and promote economic mobility. Grassroots organizations, community groups, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and individuals who work with sponsors are welcome to apply. 
 
Application period: April 17 to May 8, 2026. 
 
Get additional information and apply at austintexas.gov/equityminigrants 
Questions? Email equity@austintexas.gov

Meet us in the Community

We loved meeting you all across Austin during the month of April, and looking forward to more connections coming up soon! Check out where we’ll be on www.SpeakUpAustin.org/HousingHub - Find us in the Community.  

Opportunity for Organizations to Operate the South Austin Housing Navigation Center

On April 13, 2026, Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations started accepting proposals from qualified entities to operate the City-owned South Austin Housing Navigation Center, a key step in connecting individuals and households at risk of or experiencing homelessness to stable housing. 
 
Up to $250,000 in funding is available to support operations and service delivery. This investment expands pathways for people who are unsheltered or at risk of losing their home, helping residents access housing resources, navigate the homeless response system, and secure permanent housing. Learn more  

The application due date is Monday, May 11, 2026, at 3 pm CST. The full solicitation, submission requirements, and deadline are available at www.austintexas.gov/homeless-strategies/homeless-strategies-and-operations-contracting-unit

Citywide Density Program - Share Your Feedback

City staff is proposing a new Citywide Density Bonus Program that would encourage the creation of affordable housing as new development occurs. It also proposes to replace existing programs you may be familiar with, such as Density Bonus 90 (DB90) and Vertical Mixed Use (VMU). City Council will consider the proposal at their May 21 meeting. 

Staff needs your feedback on the proposal now through Friday, May 15. Visit www.SpeakUpAustin.org/CitywideDB to share your thoughts, find out more about the project, and subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date! 

Upcoming Board and Commission Meetings

We create & preserve housing opportunities to stabilize communities.

Contact us:

512-974-3100  |  AustinTexas.gov/Housing  |  Housing@AustinTexas.gov

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