North Austin News

The City of Austin Housing Department, in partnership with the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), has announced an additional $10.9 million in funding for Project Connect Community Initiated Solutions (CIS) programs. This funding will be distributed over three years to organizations that provide services aimed at tenant stabilization, home ownership expansion and preservation, and other anti-displacement measures.

Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director of the Housing Department, expressed gratitude for the support from the City Council: “We’re thankful that City Council has approved this second allocation of Project Connect Anti-Displacement funding for our CIS partners. These organizations are providing important programs and services that address the needs of vulnerable residents who may be most impacted by the transit expansion."

The CIS initiative is part of a multi-year effort funded through Project Connect to prevent resident displacement along the planned transit corridor. Thirteen current CIS organizations were invited to apply for continued funding, with eight submitting proposals detailing their plans to further program goals.

Nefertitti Jackmon, Community Displacement Prevention Officer, emphasized the proactive approach being taken: "Austin has a very unique opportunity. With public support and Project Connect Anti-Displacement funding, we are able to provide services to build the resiliency of Austin families in advance of the future transit investment."

Since its inception in 2023, CIS programs have reached over 98,000 families through outreach and educational events and provided direct financial assistance to more than 1,000 households. Notable initiatives include a Community Land Trust Accelerator by Business and Community Lenders of Texas and workforce training by Goodwill Industries.

Funding allocations include $500,000 for Austin Voices for Education & Youth; $2 million each for Communities in School of Central Texas and Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid; $1.225 million for Del Valle Community Coalition; $1 million for El Buen Samaritano; $1.725 million for Goodwill Industries; $975,000 for Interfaith Action; and $1.475 million for Meals on Wheels Central Texas.

For more information about these services or how they can assist residents at risk of displacement due to transit development projects like Project Connect, visit www.austintexas.gov/communityinnovation.