In a recent Travis County government meeting, officials discussed significant developments in affordable housing and the expansion of court services aimed at improving community support systems.

Connor Kenny from Capital A Housing presented plans for a new development at 701 Tilley, which will include 531 residential units, with approximately 270 designated as income-restricted. The project is set to commence early next year, following some permitting delays, and is expected to be completed by early 2027. The development will also feature replacement retail spaces, ensuring that local commercial needs are met. Commissioners emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding Travis County's involvement in creating affordable housing, suggesting signage to highlight these efforts.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the transition to a phased implementation of the Council at First Appearance (CAFA) program, which aims to enhance legal support for individuals in the justice system. The county plans to create 39 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions across nine departments, with a job fair recently attracting over 700 applicants. The ongoing costs for the CAFA program are projected at approximately $15.5 million, with funding sourced from the budget stabilization reserve.

The discussion also highlighted the need for additional resources, including IT support and interpreter services, to ensure effective operation of the expanded court services. Officials acknowledged the challenges of hiring qualified interpreters, particularly for non-Spanish languages, and noted the potential reliance on contracted services if in-person interpreters cannot be secured.

Commissioners expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of staff and nonprofit organizations in advancing these initiatives, underscoring the importance of connecting various county services to better serve the community. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to approve the proposed housing and court service initiatives, marking a significant step forward in addressing both affordable housing and legal support needs in Travis County.