The Austin Housing and Planning Committee convened on April 29, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding affordable housing in the city. A significant focus of the meeting was the need for improved affordability impact statements (AIS) that assess how rule changes affect housing costs and community engagement.

David Carroll, an architect and advocate for affordable housing, presented key concerns regarding the current AIS process. He emphasized that many rule changes affecting affordability are implemented without proper public engagement or impact assessments. For instance, a recent change by Austin Energy increased the required setback from power lines, which inadvertently rendered some properties unbuildable without notifying stakeholders. Carroll argued that such changes should trigger an AIS to ensure transparency and community input.

The committee discussed the importance of enforcing existing ordinances that mandate AIS for any rule or budget amendments impacting affordability. Carroll pointed out that many recent budget cycles have seen development fees adopted without corresponding impact statements, which could significantly affect housing costs.

Another critical point raised was the need for a more comprehensive definition of affordability. Current assessments primarily focus on development costs, neglecting other factors like transportation and food access that contribute to the overall cost of living. Carroll proposed an "affordability impact scorecard," a tool designed to evaluate proposed changes across multiple categories, including housing costs, equity, and community impact.

The committee acknowledged the progress made in recent years, noting that there is a growing pipeline of affordable housing projects. However, challenges remain, particularly in areas with high land costs, such as District 8. Council members expressed optimism about upcoming developments but recognized the ongoing struggle to meet the city's affordability goals.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members reiterated their commitment to enhancing the AIS process and ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice in discussions that shape Austin's housing landscape. The next steps will involve refining the AIS framework and continuing to engage the community in meaningful ways to address the pressing need for affordable housing in Austin.