Government
BY 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.” DR. 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
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.
Austin city manager search gets underway
Search process steps Feb. 2023 Spencer Cronk fired; Jesús Garza appointed as interim city manager Summer 2023 City Council develops request for search firm Oct. 2023 Council selects Mosaic Public Partners to lead search for $150,000 Feb. 2024 Application period closes Jan. 2024 Application period begins April 2024 City manager selection begins
The search for Austin’s next city manager is ramping up after the application period for inter- ested candidates opened in early January ahead of an anticipated final selection this spring. Austin’s government has been operating under an interim city manager, Jesús Garza, since City Council fired former City Manager Spencer Cronk in February.
The approach The search, guided by feedback from City Council members and community stakeholders, will continue before a candidate shortlist is developed in March. A final public selection process will follow and a new city manager could be chosen by mid- April—although the manager’s start date is not locked in.
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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