The ongoing study of a potential equity overlay in East Austin has raised concerns among residents and city officials regarding its slow progress and insufficient community involvement. During a Community Development Commission meeting, APD Urban Planning and Management reported on their efforts but faced criticism over a perceived lack of outreach to affected neighborhoods. The study seeks to analyze anti-displacement strategies and assess areas at risk due to redevelopment pressures. City leaders emphasize the need for broader community engagement in collecting meaningful feedback for the final recommendations due later this spring.
Those of us who were around when the contact teams were formed are kind of puzzled that there are these groups of people who have some practice with talking to the city and know a thing or two about how development works.
The study is examining whether an equity overlay could help mitigate displacement caused by rapid redevelopment and the ongoing implementation of the HOME initiatives approved by City Council.
Commissioner Julia Woods expressed concerns that many neighborhoods have heard nothing from the city regarding the study, despite the city consulting with paid representatives.
The firm is analyzing anti-displacement strategies in other major cities and using city permitting data to identify the portions of the city most at risk for displacement.
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