LDC Amendments

[Melissa Beeler]

On Behalf of Council Member Qadri:


Colleagues,

Thank you for the robust discussion of amendments to our package of land development code changes for adoption tomorrow. I wanted to further share my thoughts on the Chapter 4-18 changes I am proposing.

During my time in Austin, I’ve been struck by the inadequate conditions many renters live in. Pest infestations, mold, and deferred maintenance for barely below-market rents are prevalent in many of our districts. Our diligent and dedicated code enforcement efforts, while necessary and well-intended, are only keeping these properties minimally habitable. The City does not have what I believe to be an adequate long-term policy solution for these properties, and allowing them to remain stagnant in the name of anti-displacement is unconscionable. Rules and regulations for existing multifamily should actionably improve tenants’ lives and not be limited to an academic or theoretical exercise.

That’s why I’m exceptionally grateful to the thoughtful, concerted efforts put forth by volunteers in housing advocacy. They worked with tenant advocacy groups like BASTA, HousingWorks Austin, Austin Justice Coalition, and members of the development community, along with the Housing and Planning Departments, to craft the Chapter 4-18 Motion #1 I am bringing forward tomorrow. Most significantly, this proposal expands the number of units that would have enhanced protections from 3,800 units in the staff proposal to 10,900 units, per this amendment. I thank staff for helping us understand the difference in impact.

My second motion sheet on Chapter 4-18 provides further direction for future changes to ensure this policy works on the ground, incorporates crucial stakeholder feedback, and further explores ways in which we can fulfill our commitment in our Housing Blueprint: that households can find housing at all income levels in all parts of town, especially along our transit corridors, so that displacement can truly be prevented and mitigated.

Please see below for my full list of motions.

Chapter 4-18 Motion Sheet #1: https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/ ... ?id=428878

Chapter 4-18 Motion Sheet #2: http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 170221.pdf

ETOD Historic/Cultural Preservation Motion Sheet: http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 170308.pdf

ETOD Streets Motion Sheet: http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 170246.pdf

Best,
Zo