[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6610412,"mediaKeyId","2904476-4678ed3efdd4c58ca014b7a9c7120f0d","parentId",2904476,"title","Housing department opens FY26 action-plan public hearing; commissioners urge broader outreach and paid participation","audioSeconds",1307,"startMs",4383000,"endMs",5690000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904476-4678ed3efdd4c58ca014b7a9c7120f0d&start=4383&end=5690","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904476-4678ed3efdd4c58ca014b7a9c7120f0d/thumbnail_4383000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6610412/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Housing-department-opens-FY26-action-plan-public-hearing-commissioners-urge-broader-outreach-and-paid-participation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6610412-61ce511fb95378979de808c6d5addb3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770989515&Signature=lkgtD-IDtHWubh08bukbrSpOvv8345kuQiapB2rs8qI5zLVMybunfC50ZiEVagW0qSw~c~KEgiX4d4dWHZ80D8oGz2IAUJYToyGgoOvQdRJ3prESUckOiQgEmASnsseZW73BMeGzuMuuhuuikwjTxevGbvDeoAZ~RFTDYFkRn4pFLSRSqIN-QeWxPMWxGPmDAQ9O2xMTVPhnWuTgxUByU9Ygfbb0uCDH~qpszGgrp3L~8gT5NPbZNQxcwFApdrOnr~UlbJicHaW0WaZH9e6sPhMc3U1YoRmRCC8kgJCbDOf4zphNDgANl5bzdxNf-d41wEJOwqWYps5LXQPNssP8cw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Austin","date","2025-04-08T00:00:00Z","article","City of Austin housing department staff held a public hearing on April 8 to gather input for the FY26 action plan, the annual submission that enables entitlement funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Staff described four federal grants covered by the action plan—Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG)—and outlined how funds were used in the prior year.

Rocio Peña Martínez and Julie Smith explained that the city typically receives an average of about $14 million annually in these federal grants and that the action plan organizes how those funds will be spent across housing production, homelessness services and supportive programs. Staff showed last-year allocations and noted that most assistance reached very-low- and extremely-low-income households.

Public and commissioner input: Commissioners and members of the public urged several outreach improvements. Commissioner Lyric recommended easier shareable links and social-media-friendly notices and asked whether the city could pay people to complete surveys to increase participation. Staff said compensation had been discussed but not budgeted in recent years and welcomed advocacy to secure funds for paid participation.

Navigators and lived experience: Nefertiti Jackman, Community Displacement Prevention Officer, described a paid navigators pilot for Dove Springs and Colony Park that the city is redesigning and expanding to Montopolis and areas near Project Connect stations; navigators are community members with lived experience who are compensated and who can help residents access housing-related services. Commissioners suggested tabling at neighborhood events and sharing a public list of nonprofit partners the department notifies; staff agreed to publish that list on the housing hub and to circulate a public- hearing graphic and flyers.

Why it matters: The action plan determines how HUD entitlement funds are allocated across housing and community development programs. Commissioners emphasized that broad and representative engagement—including compensated participation and one-on-one outreach—is needed to reach underserved populations and to ensure the plan reflects community needs.

Next steps: Staff will include input from the meeting in the action-plan application to HUD, continue targeted outreach and post partner contact lists and housing-hub materials for commissioners and the public to share.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Austin - Community Development Commission - Apr 08, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff presented the FY26 federal action-plan process (CDBG, HOME, HOPWA, ESG) and sought input; commissioners urged expanded outreach, compensation for survey participants, use of paid navigators, and more transparent partner lists.","taxTitle","Austin, Travis County, Texas","taxId",2819,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6610417,"Neighborhood Services outlines CSBG-funded programs, rental-assistance totals and food-supply disruption",750,1749000,2499000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904476-4678ed3efdd4c58ca014b7a9c7120f0d&start=1749&end=2499","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904476-4678ed3efdd4c58ca014b7a9c7120f0d/thumbnail_1749000.jpg","/articles/6610417/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Neighborhood-Services-outlines-CSBG-funded-programs-rental-assistance-totals-and-food-supply-disruption","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6610417-24c7e3f292d54f1be43102ba15498254/orig.mp4?Expires=1770989515&Signature=ebWGepuuMUKh9NQ3LOebvpjcpyw3wS~bcvupRCKG8xS4Uhli4k~Ryg5WpKEAtEaS5btOXr0YjRrebcdQyFGFbyXH3~hwkHRMg6mX3lcek56ElPtO8EeXDa3kGfYLc3814c~V--ANKLs9yKSpz04NJvHufO0WJDJZYSKyJ56RFR-Xejk5EmlILpEf1IqEdcQkZD791acjROD7O72SeFhPWuXdP4pBcRPZ0Q0B9GNq6sQpSUAcMem2Hsd4B8hpglgjG8d84NyI-TBrYiz8gGdnoORtpkAP1FmpuSQUhxKOM9mb7VJsB8sAPruUtu6nVWT7nMWD8C6riMMBFlFzBGABug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Angel Zambrano, manager of the Neighborhood Services Unit at Austin Public Health, presented the monthly report on the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and neighborhood center activities at the April 8 meeting.

Zambrano summarized CSBG's history and purpose, saying the program links to federal anti-poverty initiatives and funds local community action services. She told commissioners that about 90 percent of CSBG funds are used locally for services, with roughly 10 percent for administrative purposes; the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs administers the grant at the state level and retains a small portion for statewide use.

Program statistics: Zambrano reported several operational figures for January–March. She said the unit's target for households avoiding eviction this year is 1,000 and that the program had helped \"a 74 households\" avoid eviction so far using city rent-assistance funds. She also reported that \"we assisted 252 people in a 18 households with rent assistance payments, and that amounted to about $310,000 in rent assistance.\" Zambrano told the commission that staff had assisted more than 20,600 people with basic needs during the January–March period.

Food supply disruption: Zambrano told the commission that the Central Texas Food Bank reported canceled federal orders that she said translated to roughly 917,000 pounds of food not arriving for local distribution, noting this creates additional strain across partner agencies and neighborhood centers.

Services described: The Neighborhood Services Unit provides food distributions (in partnership with Central Texas Food Bank), emergency rental and utility assistance (with Austin Area Urban League acting as fiscal agent for rental assistance payments), public-health nursing hubs at neighborhood centers, case management for self-sufficiency, bus passes for clients in need of transportation, and referrals to other agencies. Zambrano also noted a recent household-goods giveaway and that neighborhood centers vary in age; most are older (1970s–1980s) while Dove Springs and Montopolis have newer facilities.

Why it matters: CSBG-funded services deliver basic needs and wraparound supports to very low- and extremely low-income residents in Austin and Travis County. Staff highlighted increasing demands for rental and food assistance and flagged supply-chain and funding pressures.

What the commission asked and next steps: Commissioners asked about follow-up on whether clients who transition out of poverty remain stable after program exit; Zambrano said follow-up is not a formal metric and staff face contact barriers. Commissioners also asked about landlord acceptance of rental-assistance payments and about transportation and facility-renovation funding sources. Zambrano said rental payments are typically accepted by landlords through the Austin Area Urban League-managed process and that facility capital work comes from other budgets, not CSBG.

Ending: Zambrano recommended continued advocacy for funding and invited commissioners to raise needs and collaborate on outreach; she said staff would share program links and flyers for commissioners to use in community outreach.","Austin Public Health's Neighborhood Services Unit reported on Community Services Block Grant-funded services, noting rental assistance provided, eviction prevention counts, public-health nursing hubs, and a large cancellation of federal food orders that could reduce available food by roughly 917,000 pounds.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6610422,"CDC reconstitutes Housing Committee process; appointments to follow after training",158,1232000,1390000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904476-4678ed3efdd4c58ca014b7a9c7120f0d&start=1232&end=1390","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904476-4678ed3efdd4c58ca014b7a9c7120f0d/thumbnail_1232000.jpg","/articles/6610422/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/CDC-reconstitutes-Housing-Committee-process-appointments-to-follow-after-training","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6610422-9c4891571f04ee24d78a2851c3d2ef8d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770989515&Signature=EMDAwFOXvrCBuJtXWvl2osHrNaHb3DXJ~Os-OkOcuO~08WGefNvYnxK0dM03dsJ4I0gufsYgYFeegXTQaI8CgvljgzbGpiAq9gP~cOBwkadmTRNs2NMACkTBgyfRTPSad5AE2MmZxEK2eAsplwmjvbBzQrTP3j19-E0uo96hoK244GSSVcvAgH39OzMFNMYyhfDFNEm6xkm7FGv-Pxd8nnZ538VapEbI0J831F1MjxH88MJC27v3GiatGjhE3rmgTRnLcbXBXP7pUghf7PnG7bl2Mxu5r-hWS79ZNjzfg83W1kq91mUVMYNfO6gO3D0-d2Lth8LUpFmxXaO6R0UAoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commission staff and Chair Noe Elias described the process for reconstituting the CDC Housing Committee during the April 8 meeting. The committee, required by the commission's bylaws, will perform in-depth policy work on affordable housing and community development items and report annually to the full CDC.

Ed (city staff) and Chair Elias explained that a formal affirmative vote of the CDC is required to establish the committee and that, per the CDC's rules, the committee cannot meet until the Council Audit and Finance Committee approves its creation. The committee must include at least three board members appointed by the CDC chair and one city staff member assigned by the director of Neighborhood Housing and Community Development. The chair will appoint a committee chair with that member's consent.

Meeting and transparency rules: A majority of the appointed committee members will constitute a quorum; the committee must meet at least quarterly and must post meeting notices in accordance with Texas Government Code Chapter 551 (Open Meetings Act). Commissioners noted the time commitment—previously the committee met 60–90 minutes prior to the CDC meeting—and discussed the possibility of negotiating meeting times.

Next steps and timeline: Chair Elias said she has contacted commissioners who expressed interest and that the CDC will appoint committee members at a future meeting after offering prospective appointees time to consider the commitment. The CDC plans to provide training on the Housing Investment Review Committee and the department's underwriting processes before formal appointments are made.

Ending: The commission kept the item as a discussion and directed staff to return with appointment steps and training materials at a follow-up meeting.","The commission discussed reestablishing a Housing Committee required by CDC bylaws, outlined membership rules and open-meeting requirements, and said the chair will appoint members with their consent; training and appointments were scheduled for coming meetings.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6610427,"Austin CDC elects Noe Elias chair and Jenny Achilles vice chair; approves March 11 minutes",0,980000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904476-4678ed3efdd4c58ca014b7a9c7120f0d&start=980&end=980","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904476-4678ed3efdd4c58ca014b7a9c7120f0d/thumbnail_980000.jpg","/articles/6610427/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Austin-CDC-elects-Noe-Elias-chair-and-Jenny-Achilles-vice-chair-approves-March-11-minutes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6610427-4da040ec5c8e7634c9871595afcf7203/orig.mp4?Expires=1770989515&Signature=kFD1DQEYP~720rZgSaLiOqjb3hQzAq5Kr4RHelffDMj~69hARDLPiKGSwXNjN46R1O~FziQPicZSK6CboReAfwfJC6rTbQ8Yp3VxKtkbQTNGkdMtG5gNVryED4EVGnHm7B9VDKlyajXZRKRqkK~OSGFchO4iDavccanVXAZg1xsc3poDNhAUFp-YCi34eYTPdbWSTHkfeXXcWtYxOwePQTMWWI7JyK3jXDyxyQ1youl1xd4hGBW8EzMlBQKMluFKTH84cokBfaaadK3IDlxe8pMt24vB-zpwUoMg6C6-gAvmUtIeRiy4RhhZtQIheKHFJV1eUDscfM29vgxnEb0R4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Austin Community Development Commission elected Noe Elias as chair and Jenny Achilles as vice chair during its April 8 meeting. The commission also approved its March 11, 2025 minutes.

Commissioner Lehi Longoria nominated Noe Elias for chair; Commissioner Ortiz seconded the nomination. Noe Elias accepted the nomination and addressed the commission, noting her Montopolis roots and prior 13 years as a school teacher in East Riverside and Montopolis. The commission then voted and announced Elias as the new chair.

For vice chair, Commissioner Tisha nominated Jenny Achilles and Commissioner Ortiz seconded. Commissioner Achilles accepted the nomination and described her background in statewide philanthropy and public policy; the commission voted and announced Achilles as vice chair.

The commission also moved to approve the minutes from March 11, 2025. Commissioner Longoria made the motion to approve, Commissioner Ortiz seconded, and the commission recorded abstentions from Commissioner Menard and Commissioner Trice before approving the minutes.

Why it matters: Electing officers sets the commission's leadership for the coming year and determines who will set agendas, appoint committee members and represent the board at public functions. The CDC chair also appoints members to the newly reestablished Housing Committee.

What happened next: Chair Elias and Vice Chair Achilles will serve one-year terms beginning May 1, 2025, per the commission's stated term schedule. The commission proceeded to the agenda's discussion items.","The Community Development Commission held annual officer elections and approved March 11 minutes. Commissioner Noe Elias was elected chair; Commissioner Jenny Achilles elected vice chair. The commission also approved prior minutes with recorded abstentions.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6610431,"Community group warns DB 90 rezoning could displace 290 affordable units at Acacia Cliffs",303,92000,395000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904476-4678ed3efdd4c58ca014b7a9c7120f0d&start=92&end=395","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904476-4678ed3efdd4c58ca014b7a9c7120f0d/thumbnail_92000.jpg","/articles/6610431/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Community-group-warns-DB-90-rezoning-could-displace-290-affordable-units-at-Acacia-Cliffs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6610431-0f264c65136382b2972c0be236c179b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770989515&Signature=elXuIW7Liiqn33PjrhQ4cN1rtA3PwLuKfT62Dic183knyzWEiGjafyALM9L1UhrNRHxlgNk5j1~guGP8PoRBql~3DE3zZ6yHIWDXeZA05o9CKXMDLnJa7mizHPxfWkl37QcU3bfQNtr3r2oQ~8BBIiXWXB4LlkRj64Td-V0n3dvNiLcWvLd2ArBO5mI6ua58GKPtWzfmXcWpSKgaRcByTciiKEsCQB1wcIcKIWyOrzbq4uKK7A0ia4d8Bgdj2P8YtnDcdyiUTIwAR5WmtaOojdDd14RqUOWG5Lr-ChBulB6WJo5zP8Q8dYx~6cSeKm4vZx2bS1VQysJJc59u31AfDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Celine Rendon, a community organizer with Community Powered ATX, told the Austin Community Development Commission on April 8 that tenants at Acacia Cliffs Apartments in northwest Austin face displacement if a DB 90 rezoning case before City Council moves forward without protections. \"Renters at the Acacia Cliffs Apartments, most of these are low income families, students, and seniors are currently at risk of being displaced for a DB 90 rezoning case that's happening this Thursday at City Hall,\" Rendon said during the commission's public-communication period.

Rendon said the development would remove one of the last remaining lower-cost housing options in District 10. She summarized rents at Acacia Cliffs as ranging from $860 to $1,350 and said the property contains 290 \"deeply affordable\" apartments. Rendon asked the commission to support tenants and offered to provide the CDC with more information and materials.

Why it matters: The CDC advises City Council on programs that affect low-income residents and federally funded services. Changes to zoning that accelerate redevelopment can increase displacement pressures in neighborhoods with limited deeply affordable housing. Rendon framed the Acacia Cliffs case as part of a broader set of policy changes in 2023—including references she made to \"home phase 1 and 2,\" Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (eTOD) and DB 90—that she said favor investment over low-income renters.

What was said and what happened: Rendon requested CDC support and offered follow-up materials; the commission did not take a formal vote on the request at the April 8 meeting. City Council was listed by Rendon as scheduled to consider the DB 90 case on the forthcoming Thursday; she did not state the specific council docket number.

Context and next steps: Rendon connected this case to wider concerns about who benefits from recent zoning changes and asked commissioners to follow up. The commission did not record a formal directive or motion in the meeting minutes; Rendon was told she could email any presentation materials to staff, who would share them with commissioners.

Ending: The commission logged Rendon's comment during public communication and continued with its agenda. Rendon said she would provide additional details to CDC staff if requested.","Community Powered ATX asked the Austin Community Development Commission to support tenants of Acacia Cliffs Apartments facing a DB 90 rezoning case at City Council; speaker said 290 deeply affordable units are at risk and rents there run about $860–$1,350.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Housing department opens FY26 action-plan public hearing; commissioners urge broader outreach and paid participation

Neighborhood Services outlines CSBG-funded programs, rental-assistance totals and food-supply disruption

CDC reconstitutes Housing Committee process; appointments to follow after training

Austin CDC elects Noe Elias chair and Jenny Achilles vice chair; approves March 11 minutes

Community group warns DB 90 rezoning could displace 290 affordable units at Acacia Cliffs