North Austin News

The City of Austin is preparing to request the release of funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for a new housing project, Urban Empowerment Zone 1. This initiative involves Project Based Vouchers (PBV) under Title V of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998. The development is set to take place at 6314-6400 FM 969 in Austin, Texas.

The project aims to construct an affordable multifamily development with 80 housing units for households earning between 30-50% of the Area Median Income. It will utilize $29,721,600 in PBVs over a span of 20 years through the Housing Authority of the City of Austin. Additional funding includes $1 million from the HOME American Rescue Plan and approximately $7.1 million from 2022 GO Bonds by the Austin Housing Finance Corporation. Travis County will also contribute $11 million in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.

The development will feature a four-story building on a 1.62-acre site, including facilities such as a community room, warming kitchen, computer center, and supportive services. The design focuses on Trauma-Informed Design (TiD) principles and aims to support residents through various amenities.

According to city officials, "The City of Austin has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment." Consequently, an Environmental Impact Statement under NEPA is not required. Detailed information about this decision can be found in the Environmental Review Record (ERR), available for public examination at specified locations or upon request.

Public comments regarding this ERR are invited until March 20, 2025. Comments can be submitted via mail or email to dawn.perkins@austintexas.gov.

Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director at the City’s Housing Department, certifies compliance with environmental review responsibilities: "The City of Austin certifies to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that Mandy DeMayo in her capacity as Interim Director consents to accept jurisdiction."

Objections to fund release must adhere to specific criteria outlined by HUD regulations and should be directed via email to HUD San Antonio Field Office within fifteen days following submission or receipt date.

For further inquiries or comments regarding this project or its environmental certification process, contact Mandy DeMayo at (512) 974-3100.