Austin updates housing plan after falling short on opportunity area goals

The Austin City Council voted on November 5 to update the Strategic Housing Blueprint, a long-term strategy for housing development and preservation in Austin, Texas.

The new plan will establish targets for the period between 2028 and 2037. This move follows the conclusion of the current planning period in 2027. Austin Housing staff are revising the strategy because the city only built 11% of new affordable homes in high-opportunity areas as of 2024.

This figure fell well below the 25% target established in the 2017 blueprint. Planners are currently updating the Opportunity Map, which helps the city direct affordable housing to locations better suited for new residents. The updated plan will consider new factors such as population and job trends, local housing supply and demand, and the impact of city growth on future goals. It will also address funding partnerships between public agencies and private investors, and methods to prevent displacement.

Council member Ryan Alter wants the new strategy to specifically address the needs of students, young people, survivors of domestic violence, and people experiencing homelessness.