Opinion: The Lack of Evidence Behind Austin’s HOME Initiative

There are indeed benefits to density, but affordability isn’t one of them

"...There are indeed benefits to density, such as walkability, increased use of public transit, and..."

April 19, 2024 Column by Rich Heyman

Council Wants More Housing Near Project Connect Stations

Bring on the trains

"...which could open 10 years from now. But “transit-supportive density” can also spur usage of other, non-car types of..."

April 19, 2024 News Feature by Austin Sanders

How Austin’s Mayoral Race Is Shaping Up So Far

Mayor Kirk Watson continues to bide his time

"...that came before Council; she pushed the use of density bonus programs which can achieve the same goal of..."

Feb. 2, 2024 News Feature by Austin Sanders

Longtime City Council Member Kathie Tovo Announces Run for Mayor

Mayor Kirk Watson has not yet announced his re-election bid

"...housing developments or policies aimed at enabling more housing density across the city. Tovo’s opposition was often rooted in..."

Jan. 18, 2024 News Post by Austin Sanders

With Six Seats Up in the Air, City Council Could Look Very Different Next Year

Ready to rumble?

"...transit – by supporting Project Connect with increased housing density – and build out more bike and pedestrian infrastructure..."

Jan. 5, 2024 News Feature by Austin Sanders

Breaking Down What the HOME Initiative’s Passing Means for Austin

Council approves HOME phase one, looks ahead to phase two

"...that expanded the reach of Austin's vertical mixed-use (VMU) density bonus program, which incentivizes large multifamily housing along transportation..."

Dec. 15, 2023 News Feature by Austin Sanders

Not in My HOME

"...of the past racist city policies. I'm not against density and more units but not in my backyard!..."

Dec. 12, 2023 Postmarks

Opinion: No Home Sweet HOME for Austin’s Black and Latino Communities

A member of the Planning Commission argues that Austin’s proposed new land use plan would result in another major forced relocation of Austin’s Latino community and its dwindling Black community

"...HOME plan of any criteria, or requirement that additional density zoning be linked to affordable housing that serves those..."

Dec. 8, 2023 Column by Alberta Phillips

As Council Works to Improve Affordability With HOME, How Will Displacement Factor In?

Research shows small lots boost affordability though concerns linger

"...development patterns in the Nineties that concentrated new, high density housing on the Eastside. Some Austinites fear HOME will..."

Dec. 6, 2023 News Post by Austin Sanders

Homeowners Kill Prior City Council’s Modest Housing Reforms

Low-income housing program to survive legal challenge

"...plaintiffs' request to also strike down Affordability Unlocked, a density bonus program designed to incentivize the production of deeply..."

Nov. 17, 2023 News Feature by Lina Fisher

Austin's Transportation Future: What Will It Look Like in 2033?

Highways, headless horsemen, and high-speed trains: The ghost of our transportation future

"...land use in Austin. Currently, the city lacks the density necessary to shift reliance away from cars. If someone..."

Nov. 10, 2023 News Feature by Benton Graham

Young Parents, UT Students Support Zoning Changes at Historic Meeting

The renting generations

"...Congress for the New Urbanism noted that increased housing density will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More specifically, Bill McCamley,..."

Nov. 3, 2023 News Feature by Lina Fisher

Anatomy of a Fall

French courtroom drama shows the truth of people is always complex

"...psychic wound is left unprodded, and the sheer emotional density of the scene is gasp-inducing. And while it’s a..."

Oct. 20, 2023 Movie Review by Josh Kupecki

Welcome to the Neighborhood

"...association that described proposed zoning changes to allow greater density in our neighborhoods as “gutting our quality of life.”..."

Oct. 17, 2023 Postmarks

Inside Sightseer Coffee's Roasting Operation

"...The spinner utilizes a “density gravity thing,” Gibson says. The lighter coffee beans get..."

Oct. 9, 2023 Photo Gallery

A Very Special Frasier at We Luv Video

130 animators come together for a tribute to the sitcom

"...22-minute episode with 30 minutes of dialogue. There’s a density to Frasier leavened by quick-wittedness and repartee. There are..."

Oct. 6, 2023 Screens Post by Richard Whittaker

Rules That Block Apartments Near Single-Family Homes Should Change, City Staff Says

Compatibility restricts homes near amenities

"...compatibility rules have a more pronounced effect in “high density” residential areas (think corridors like South Lamar) than in..."

Sept. 18, 2023 News Post by Austin Sanders

Can Federal Funds Clear Up Local Water Problems?

Water quality is worst in marginalized communities

"...vulnerabilities, such as areas with vacant housing, low population density, and a high disability rate, had a much higher..."

Sept. 15, 2023 News Feature by Lina Fisher

Fair's Fair

"...reasonable, balanced land development code. That you and your density uber alles allies don't understand due process and the..."

Aug. 28, 2023 Postmarks

Homeowners Sue to Block Code Changes Meant to Increase Affordability

The same group won a suit in 2020 over land use reforms

"...year: a new tier in the Vertical Mixed Use density bonus program, modest reforms to compatibility regulations, and changes..."

Aug. 25, 2023 News Post by Austin Sanders

Beloved South African Chicken Chain Is Finally Coming to Austin

Nando's PERi PERi seeks the heat in Mueller

"...Municipal Airport, the neighborhood is known for its housing density and green spaces and is currently experiencing a restaurant..."

Aug. 14, 2023 Food Post by Haris Qureshi

Behind the Bulldozing

"...story shopping mall for the sake of increasing urban density and downtown safety. On the last point, to quote..."

Aug. 7, 2023 Postmarks

Austin’s Exclusionary Housing Policies Are Getting Revolutionary Rewrites

After decades of resistance doors open for less-wealthy Austinites

"...Development plans, a comprehensive analysis of the city's numerous density bonus programs, compatibility, and the creation of new zoning..."

July 28, 2023 News Feature by Austin Sanders

Magna Carda's Wild West Refresh and Four More Songs From Austin Artists

New music picks from Farmer's Wife, Sentimental Family Band, and more

"...Eastside Riders on horseback. Wandersome jazz interludes lessen the density of the vocalist's lines, landing a refreshing renewal for..."

July 14, 2023 Music Column by Rachel Rascoe

New Documentary Every Body Illuminates the “I” in LGBTQIA

Local intersex activist Alicia Roth Weigel talks new doc

"...trainings for providers on intersex variations and needs, bone density testing for survivors of medical abuse and cancer screenings..."

June 30, 2023 Screens Post by Lina Fisher

Sidewalk Safety

"...parking as the alternative. I predict a showdown between density advocates and safety advocates. Care to bet who wins..."

June 11, 2023 Postmarks

Council Attitudes on Land-Use Change as Limits on Building Near Houses Are Eased

Council cuts compatibility with little opposition

"...“I completely understand the goal of density bonus programs,” Vela said in response. “But ultimately they..."

June 9, 2023 News Post by Austin Sanders

Council Poised to Pass Three Housing Supply-Friendly Items

The most controversial would allow larger apartment complexes near single-family homes

"...and Natasha Harper-Madison – that would expand an existing density bonus program, create a new one, and ease compatibility..."

June 9, 2023 News Feature by Austin Sanders

Public Notice: The Two Sides of “More Housing”

“More at all costs,” or “more that’s not costly”?

"...them are focused on expanding affordable housing construction through density bonus programs – allowing a denser development if some..."

June 9, 2023 News Column by Nick Barbaro

Public Notice: Housekeeping News

Plus trying to slow the Convention Center expansion, code changes

"...I feel like a broken record, but it's true: Density brings lots of benefits in urban life, but unless..."

June 2, 2023 News Column by Nick Barbaro

1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10     NEXT ›    34 »