Affordability

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.

The change reduces the land size to 2,500 square feet. That's more than half of what the current rules say — 5,750 square feet.

The City Council is proposing to lower the minimum home lot size by more than half in an effort to encourage smaller homes such as townhomes and fourplexes.

The project included affordable housing, a child care center, and a live music and art venue. The former HealthSouth site has been vacant since 2016.