KEY POINTS:

  • An internal report by City Hall staffers argues against the Austin City Council’s latest rezoning plan
  • The report admits Phase 1 of the council’s plan won’t provide affordability, will worsen displacement, and will raise property taxes
  • Concerned residents should file protests no later than December 5

An explosive internal report quietly filed by City of Austin staffers sharply contradicts claims made by supporters of the city council’s HOME initiative, which some critics have called “CodeNEXT 3.0.”

The council’s plan is set to be adopted in two phases. Phase 1 would upzone most single-family neighborhoods to three units per lot. Phase 2, scheduled to follow next year, would allow six or more units on every single-family lot in the city.

File your protest to protect your home and neighborhood from the City of Austin’s latest rezoning plan. Deadline extended to December 5!

FILE YOUR PROTEST

On October 26, the city council and Planning Commission held a joint hearing on Phase 1 of the plan. It was the first opportunity for local residents to provide public testimony.

Unbeknownst to most of those residents, a city-authored Phase 1 “Affordability Impact Statement” filed that same day contradicted supporters of the plan and supported arguments made by its critics:

  1. Supporters of the HOME proposal claim it will create smaller homes at lower prices, but city staff report that the plan will result in three units per lot, each “with similar size and price to current single-unit uses.”
  2. Supporters of the HOME proposal claim it will benefit residents all over the community, but city staff report that the plan “could increase redevelopment pressure on existing homes, particularly in areas at risk of displacement” and “incentivize rental property owners to redevelop occupied single-family units,” affecting renters.
  3. Supporters of the HOME proposal claim it will not raise property taxes, but city staff report that “[d]isplacement pressure from property tax may increase as well” due to increased housing capacity that allows the land to sell for more on the market. “[T]hese increased sale prices could eventually raise land valuations in single-family zoning.”

Phase 1 of the HOME plan is set for a vote on December 7. If it is approved, it will radically change Austin’s existing communities by:

  • Increasing the number and allowed size of units on single-family lots in many cases, while not making housing more affordable
  • Displacing renters and homeowners through redevelopment and increased tax burdens

Fortunately, you have a way to fight back: File your protest to protect your home and neighborhood from the City of Austin’s latest rezoning plan. Deadline extended to December 5!

FILE YOUR PROTEST

We also recommend you reach out to Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and your representative on the Austin City Council using the contact information below. Tell them not to approve the HOME plan because it will hurt Austin!

Mayor Kirk Watson:
kirk.watson@austintexas.gov | 512-978-2100

Natasha Harper-Madison (District 1):
natasha.madison@austintexas.gov | 512-978-2101

Vanessa Fuentes (District 2):
vanessa.fuentes@austintexas.gov | 512-978-2102

José Velásquez (District 3):
jose.velasquez@austintexas.gov | 512-978-2103

José “Chito” Vela (District 4):
chito.vela@austintexas.gov | 512-978-2104

Ryan Alter (District 5):
ryan.alter@austintexas.gov | 512-978-2105

Mackenzie Kelly (District 6):
mackenzie.kelly@austintexas.gov | 512-978-2106

Leslie Pool (District 7):
leslie.pool@austintexas.gov | 512-978-2107

Paige Ellis (District 8):
paige.ellis@austintexas.gov | 512-978-2108

Zohaib “Zo” Qadri (District 9):
zohaib.qadri@austintexas.gov | 512-978-2109

Alison Alter (District 10):
alison.alter@austintexas.gov | 512-978-2110

Check this map if you aren’t sure which council member represents you. You may send a single email to the mayor and all council members using this form.

Together we can build an Austin for everyone!