During a recent meeting of the Austin Housing Finance Corporation, significant concerns were raised regarding equity and transportation access in housing projects. A key speaker highlighted the lack of sidewalks on FM 969, where a tragic incident involving a wheelchair user occurred, emphasizing the urgent need for safer infrastructure in underserved areas.

The discussion centered around a partnership with the Housing Authority of Travis County and the implications of income-based housing policies. The speaker criticized the use of income as a proxy for race discrimination, pointing out disparities in area median income across different neighborhoods. They expressed deep concern over the St. John's project, which includes a provision allowing for a reversion to market-rate units after 39 years, potentially displacing long-time residents, particularly African Americans who historically owned land in the area.

Transportation equity was another focal point, with the speaker noting that Route 339, which serves FM 969, operates on a 60-minute schedule, while more frequent routes are available in other parts of the city. They called for improvements in transit access, stressing that the current system disproportionately affects African American communities who often face long walks to reach reliable bus services.

The speaker urged the board to reconsider funding allocations for the housing projects, advocating for a more equitable approach that aligns with federal laws aimed at preventing discrimination. They concluded by challenging city leaders to take meaningful action to support marginalized communities, emphasizing that true equity requires more than just representation in leadership roles.

This meeting underscored the ongoing challenges of ensuring fair housing and transportation access in Austin, highlighting the need for systemic changes to address these disparities.