Government
BY ELLE BENT, KATY MCAFEE & BEN THOMPSON
“With deep listening, focus, and strong partnerships, we will aim to significantly reduce health disparities in Travis County on my watch.” PATRICK LEE, CENTRAL HEALTH CEO Lee succeeds Mike Geeslin, whose six-year tenure as Central Health CEO ended Dec. 31. Lee takes over as Central Health continues to face scrutiny of its budget, performance and patient service amid ongoing legal battles. New CEO named at Central Health Dr. Patrick Lee will begin serving as the next CEO for Travis County’s health care district for low-income residents on Jan. 29. What’s happening
Taking inventory While thousands of new residential units were added since 2017, fewer were built for lower-income residents than hoped for in a 10-year city housing plan.
Housing units completed, 2018-22
10-year goal
Affordable housing (<80% MFI)
GOAL 60,000
10,444
Middle and high-income housing (>80% MFI)
GOAL 75,000
32,145
SOURCES: CITY OF AUSTIN, HOUSINGWORKS AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
THE AUSTIN AREA'S MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME, OR MFI, IS NOW $122,300 FOR A FOUR-PERSON HOUSEHOLD. THOSE EARNING 80% MFI AND BELOW ARE DEFINED AS LOW-INCOME AND CAN QUALIFY FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
Affordable housing goals still falling short Despite a surge of residential construction in Austin over the years, the city is running out of time to meet it’s 10-year housing goals. The big picture City Council approved a Strategic Housing Blueprint in 2017 to track local housing gains. A
new report detailed progress toward the plan’s goals over five years, from 2018-22. The shortfall in affordable development continues as median incomes in Austin are rising by thousands of dollars each year, which can price out many lower-income residents. By the numbers Through 2022, just 10,444 affordable units out of a goal of 60,000—17.41%—were added, well off the blueprint’s targets. In the same time, 43% of a 75,000-unit goal for moderate- and high-income residents were built.
Second public meeting set for proposed venue
Proposed concert venue
Fitzhugh Road neighbors have a second opportunity to voice opinions and ask questions in regard to a proposed concert venue planned off the road. The details State Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, made the request to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to hold a meeting on
behalf of concerned residents including the Stop Fitzhugh Concert Venue coalition. The public hearing will be held at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs on Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. The additional public forum concerns a waste- water permit filed by California-based Blizexas to serve a concert venue with up to 5,000 seats, according to the permit.
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
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