Austin City Council supports 6 affordable housing proposals

February 9, 2026 - 19:11

The Austin City Council has taken a significant step to address the city's housing needs by unanimously issuing resolutions of support for six separate affordable housing proposals. This crucial endorsement allows the development teams to apply for competitive 9 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) from the state of Texas, a primary funding mechanism for such projects.

The tax credits are a vital financial tool, incentivizing private investment in housing for individuals and families earning below a certain percentage of the area median income. Securing this funding is often the pivotal factor determining whether these projects can break ground. The council's support signals a strong local commitment to creating more affordable options in a market where rising costs have increasingly pushed residents out.

The six proposed developments are spread across various districts within the city. While specific locations and unit counts will be detailed in the formal tax credit applications, the collective action represents a concerted push to add hundreds of new affordable homes to Austin's inventory. This move is part of a broader, ongoing strategy to utilize every available tool to combat the housing affordability crisis and ensure a more economically diverse future for the community.