Groundbreak.

Austin Approves On-Site Affordable Housing Mandate Along Project Connect

Austin approved a mandatory on-site affordable housing requirement for developments along the Project Connect Phase 1 light rail corridor, a first for the city.

Austin Light Rail Implementation Plan map showing the Phase 1 corridor and the 20,000+ affordable housing units it serves
Austin Light Rail Implementation Plan map showing the Phase 1 corridor and the 20,000+ affordable housing units it servesMap courtesy of Austin Transit Partnership

Austin has approved an on-site affordable housing requirement for new developments along the Project Connect Phase 1 light rail corridor, the first time the city has tied a mandatory affordability component to the transit line.

City of Austin map showing 26,663 income-restricted affordable housing units relative to proposed Project Connect stations
City of Austin map showing 26,663 income-restricted affordable housing units relative to proposed Project Connect stationsScreenshot, Austin Neighborhood Housing & Community Development
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Qualifying developments near the line must include affordable units on site rather than paying fees or building off site. The policy aims to preserve income-restricted housing in areas where land values are expected to rise as construction advances.

Rendering of a Project Connect light rail train at street level along the Phase 1 corridor
Rendering of a Project Connect light rail train at street level along the Phase 1 corridorGraphic: Austin Rail Now, adapted from original Downtown Austin Alliance map

Phase 1 is the first segment of the voter-approved light rail system, running through central Austin and connecting downtown with areas north and south. The requirement is part of a broader anti-displacement package tied to the transit investment.

The policy takes effect as Project Connect moves toward construction. Projects within the designated corridor will be subject to the requirement during review and permitting. Affordability levels and unit percentages are set through the land development code and related ordinances.

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Project Connect Phase 1 light rail corridor, Austin, TX

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