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Affordable Housing Developer Newsletter Banner
 

Austin Housing Developer Resources

Visit our Developer Resources page for a variety of tools: 

  • RFP and RFQ partnerships 

  • AHFC and AHPFC Partnerships 

  • Development Incentives and Agreements 

  • Federal and State Housing Development Funding 

  • Housing Development Assistance Funding 

Share this newsletter with your colleagues!

 

 

Share Homebuyer Education Classes

Homebuyer education classes are one of the easiest—and smartest—steps Austinites can take on the path to homeownership. These classes break down the entire process in a way that’s empowering and practical. Share these tips and resources with your residents!  

Interested in becoming a Homebuyer? Take a Homebuyer Education Class! 

  • 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: 

  • Austin Housing offers Downpayment Assistance and affordable ownership through the Austin Community Land Trust. Learn more at AustinTexas.gov/Housing 
  • 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 

 

 

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. 

Image shows a close-up view of the leasing office for Norman Commons with stone on the first floor and a large mural of an African American East Austin Cowboy. The mural scales multiple floors above the office. Other multi-story buildings can be seen in t

The AHFC acquired 7.96 acres of land in 2018 from the Austin Independent School District (AISD). Norman Commons was built on part of this land; GNDC will develop the remaining land into a 32-unit affordable ownership community called Ada Anderson Place. GNDC anticipates beginning construction later this year.  

Norman Commons is made possible through a complex, multi-layered financing structure that reflects the City’s commitment to expanding affordable housing in areas vulnerable to displacement. The Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) awarded more than $8.86 million via the Rental Housing Development Assistance (RHDA) program – consisting of $436,331 from the 2022 General Obligation Bonds and more than $8.4 million in Project Connect funds.

Additional financing includes:

  • A $31.5 million tax-exempt bond issued by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation 
  • A $4.4 million construction loan and $14.8 million permanent loan from Wells Fargo 
  • $25.5 million in 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity 
  • $1.75 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas 
  • $2.5 million in Capital Magnet Funds 
  • A $2 million sponsor loan from Foundation Communities  

 

 

$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. 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.

  • 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 Housing 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.

The Roz Ribbon-cutting event photos

Several funding sources contributed to the success of this development, including $16.3 million from the 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) program and $2 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas. AHFC provided $5.5 million through the Rental Housing Development Assistance (RHDA) program, utilizing 2022 General Obligation (GO) Bonds, and a ground lease from AHFC for the land. Construction began in October 2024 and was completed in January 2026.

 

 

Trauma Informed Practices for Property Management

Join Patricia Murphy with Housing Support Services Alliance (HSSA) to understand trauma. Learn what to do, and what to avoid, when interacting with residents. Build your “soft skills” & learn how to confidently de-escalate challenging situations. Practice real-life scenarios you’re likely to face on the job and walk away with practical, ready-to-use language for resident interactions.  

Friday, May 8 at 10:00 a.m. 
6701 Shirley Avenue 
Austin, TX 78752 
 

Register here: Trauma Informed Practices for Property Management Tickets, Friday, May 8  •  10 AM - 2 PM | Eventbrite 

 
 

Red Oaks Apartments: New Afforable 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. 

 

 

Expanding Opportunity Forum: Skilled Trades Electrical Apprenticeships

The Community Action Network (CAN) is hosting a series of "Expanding Opportunity Forums" that will highlight impactful "Earn and Learn" programs in our local community. "Earn and Learn" programs are work-based learning opportunities in which participants are paid while they receive training in a particular industry or discipline. These forums will explore the importance of providing "earn and learn" opportunities as a strategy for employers to develop talent and as a way for workers to up-skill and secure long-term employment and higher wages 

The Skilled Trades forum will highlight specifically the Electrical field and includes representatives from CenTex Independent Electrical Contractors, Skillpoint Alliance and local employers. The forum will take place on Zoom, May 19th from 12pm-1pm. Register to attend online.  

 

 
Updates from the City of Austin Banner
 

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

 

 

Austin Planning | Citywide Density Bonus 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! 

 

 
 
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We create & preserve housing opportunities to stabilize communities.

 

Contact us:

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

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