Affordability

In addition to the donation, H-E-B has announced new stores planned in East Austin, with a Manor store slated to open next year.

Just 137 out of 1,000 applicants received grants this year from the first-of-its-kind program to help keep Austin musicians in Austin. While scores praise the program, there were some hiccups in the last round of grant funding.

The fall semester begins Monday for the first group of students participating in the college's free tuition program. More than 4,800 local high school graduates are taking advantage of it.

Hundreds of thousands of renters in the Austin area are, quite literally, burdened by the price of shelter, meaning they have less income to spend on groceries, transportation and healthcare.

A new report shows renters and homeowners are under significant strain from housing costs. Housing affordability is slipping faster in Texas than the national average.

Since May 2023, the average monthly rent in the Austin area has declined. Prices are down 6% compared to this time last year.

If approved, the 2.5 cent increase would generate nearly $77 million to help low-income families.

One of the measures voters will see on the ballot this fall is Proposition 9. It seeks to increase the monthly payments former educators get from the state based on when they retired.

The city allows residents to store RVs and tiny homes on their property. But this would allow people to live in them, which supporters say helps create more affordable and diverse housing options.

Local nonprofits provide extra relief for those experiencing homelessness during heat waves. But advocates say more needs to be done year-round.