Housing and Planning Committee

Summary

This briefing provides an update on the status and timeline of proposed amendments to Austin's Land Development Code (LDC) through December 2027. Several amendments have been adopted, including the Parkland Drainage Easement on January 22, 2026. The Zoning Sign Posting Updates are scheduled for Planning Commission review on March 10, 2026, and City Council consideration on March 25, 2026. Some anticipated amendments, such as SB 840 Related Updates, Life Science Land Use, Relocating Non-Zoning Regulations, Tobacco Sales Use, and Park Improvement Permitting, have had their timelines moved to "to be determined" pending further coordination and identification of appropriate review pathways. The schedule aims to balance staff workloads, allow for public engagement, and sequence work appropriately, with specific review and adoption dates to be updated as processes advance. More information is available at SpeakUpAustin.org/LDCupdates.

Citizen Impact

Residents can stay informed about upcoming changes to the Land Development Code, which dictate zoning, development, and land use regulations across the city. Specific timelines for certain amendments are delayed, allowing more time for public engagement and review.

Confidence

high

Summary

This briefing outlines the City Manager's Office's approach to addressing Austin's affordable housing crisis. Key issues include stagnating wages for essential workers, the increasing cost of housing, and the widening gap between incomes and rent/home prices. The presentation highlights the impact of Texas Senate Bill 840, which by-right allows multifamily and mixed-use developments in commercial zones, potentially reducing the effectiveness of existing density bonus programs that incentivize affordable housing production. The city faces limitations on affordability tools due to state law, such as bans on inclusionary zoning and rent control. Data presented shows significant affordability gaps for households earning 60% of the Median Family Income (MFI) or less for rentals, and 100% of MFI or less for for-sale housing. The City Manager's Office plans to develop a Housing Policy and Economic Development Roadmap to identify and implement effective incentives, streamline access to existing ones, and foster cross-departmental collaboration to create more affordable housing opportunities through policy changes, process improvements, regulatory and financial incentives, cost reductions, and partnerships.

Citizen Impact

Residents, particularly essential workers and those earning below 60% of the Median Family Income, face significant challenges affording housing in Austin. State legislation limits local tools to create affordable housing, and the city is exploring new strategies to address these gaps. The effectiveness of future affordable housing initiatives will depend on policy changes and incentives implemented by the city.

Confidence

high

Summary

This briefing provides an update on several key Austin Planning initiatives:

• Imagine Austin Update: A 30-year plan to guide city development is being updated. Key goals include developing a Place Types map, increasing community engagement, updating policies, and aligning with other strategic plans. Phase 1 deliverables are expected in Q1 and Q2 of 2026.
• Northeast District Plan: A collaborative plan with Travis County to address historic inequities in a 30-square-mile area. A staff Working Group has been formed, and the Summary Report of Existing Conditions was delivered in January 2026. Next steps include forming a Community Advisory Committee and selecting an engagement consultant in 2026.
• Central City District Plan: An update to the Downtown Austin Plan, incorporating the South Central Waterfront and UT/UNO areas. The goal is to develop a Vision and Implementation Plan by December 2026, with community engagement and analysis ongoing.
• Great Streets Plan and Standards Update: An update to the program that influences downtown streetscape elements. An existing conditions analysis has been completed, and community engagement (online survey, open house) occurred from July 2025 to January 2026. Emerging themes include "People first," "Vibrant public life," and "Shade and comfort." The update schedule runs through Fall 2026.
• East Riverside Corridor Planning Initiative: This initiative aligns the existing vision and regulating plans with the city's Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) initiative. Goals include integrating equity, promoting economic opportunity, and updating the Future Land Use Map. Community participation is encouraged through various channels.

Citizen Impact

These planning initiatives will shape the future development, infrastructure, and community needs of Austin. Residents can participate in shaping these plans through ongoing community engagement opportunities, influencing neighborhood development, public spaces, and equitable growth strategies.

Confidence

high