HOUSING & DISPLACEMENT prevention PLAN
HERE'S MY PLAN TO ENSURE THAT AUSTIN REMAINS A LIVABLE COMMUNITY FOR ALL
Rent prices are going up, property taxes are increasing, yet wages are remaining the same, and more and more neighbors feel that like they are being priced out. We have a displacement crisis and an economic crisis on our hands. I believe our city leaders have a moral imperative to bring our community together to define what true affordability means in order to move our city forward in an equitable manner in tackling the housing crisis.
Housing is a Human Right.
I believe that city planning isn’t a neutral act; it’s a reflection of our values and respect for our citizens. Here’s a list of policies that I will champion in order to defend our historic communities of color and working-class people from displacement and ensure a more affordable Austin for ALL.
Here’s my housing & displacement prevention plan:
Establish a Community Land Trust
We should prioritize the use of City-owned land for the development of affordable housing with permanent affordability restrictions. I support the establishment of a community land trust operated by the City of Austin or in partnership with Travis County with the purpose of expanding affordable, income-restricted housing.
Establish the Office of Housing Stability
I firmly believe the City should establish a one-stop-shop division to integrate all assistance programs into one centralized database to ensure efficiency and simplify processes. This would allow for a targeted outreach program to ensure that seniors, low-income homeowners, long-time homeowners and disabled homeowners in neighborhoods experiencing displacement are taking full advantage of all available resources and programs, including available exemptions and rebates relating to taxes and utilities.
Right to Stay and Right to Return
I support the expansion of the Right to Stay and Right to Return pilot programs, which establishes a preference policy allowing families who were priced out of their neighborhoods to return.
Support Neighborhood Stabilization Program
I support the creation of a Neighborhood Stabilization Loan Program to assist vulnerable low-income homeowners to provide long-term, low-interest loans. This will be targeted to low-income homeowners who are paying for more than 30 percent of their income on housing. The loans could be forgivable in exchange for the homeowner agreeing to a longer-term affordability restriction, ensuring that the home would be sold to another low-income owner and remain owner-occupied.
Centralized Affordable Housing Database
Establish a Renters Commission
I support creating a centralized list of low-income residents who are seeking affordable housing. This list could be used by social service providers to better direct services.
With approximately 56% of Austin’s households being renters, including nearly half of District 2 residents, it is imperative that we address the housing needs of renters. Historically, renters have been overlooked in conversations surrounding displacement and the allocation of resources to combat it which is why I believe we need a dedicated commission. Housing challenges that homeowners and renters face are unique and require separate solutions.