Housing Hub launches evergreen survey for ongoing community feedback

The Austin Community Development Commission convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and transparency. The meeting focused on the introduction of new tools and strategies designed to better connect with residents and gather their input.

The session began with a presentation on an online tool that serves as part of the city’s toolkit for reaching out to communities. This tool aims to provide residents with easy access to information regarding community feedback and the city’s progress towards its goals. The intention is to ensure that residents do not have to search extensively for updates on community initiatives.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the introduction of a new evergreen survey through the Housing Hub. This survey is designed to facilitate ongoing feedback from the community, allowing for continuous engagement rather than being limited to specific timeframes. The department emphasized the importance of this resource in adapting to community needs.

Additionally, the commission discussed efforts to improve inter-departmental collaboration. The aim is to streamline data sharing among various city departments to avoid redundancy in community outreach efforts. This initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency of how the city engages with residents and addresses their concerns.

The commitment to targeted outreach was reiterated, with a focus on partnering with community leaders to ensure that engagement efforts reach diverse populations. The commission also highlighted the importance of accountability among partner agencies, discussing how funding decisions are made and how partners are held responsible for their contributions.

As the meeting concluded, the commission expressed a desire for ongoing dialogue with community members. They encouraged attendees to share new priorities or reiterate existing concerns, particularly in light of federal funding opportunities. The commission aims to foster a continuous conversation, ensuring that community voices are heard and considered in future planning.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and responsive governance as it seeks to better serve the needs of Austin’s diverse communities.