The City of Austin has released details on its anti-displacement initiatives for Capital Metro’s multi-billion-dollar public transit overhaul known as Project Connect. According to the city, $65 million will be allocated toward anti-displacement efforts this year, with funding coming from a $300 million housing bond approved by voters in 2020.
All Project Connect anti-displacement funds will focus on preventing displacement in within one mile of transit lines, the city says.
“We must be smart, maximizing the effectiveness of our investments to stabilize vulnerable residents,” said Nefertitti Jackmon, City of Austin Community Displacement Prevention Officer. “Using both qualitative data from the workshops with the Catalysts, and quantitative data from neighborhood-level maps, we can be better informed about where investments are deployed and prioritize Project Connect anti-displacement funds to protect those most at risk of displacement. The Tool and the report remind us to center equity as funding decisions are made.”
The initial investments have been divided into three focus areas:
-$23 million for land acquisition.
-$21 million for the acquisition, rehabilitation, and construction of affordable housing.
-$20 million in community development funds for community-initiated, neighborhood-focused programs and projects.
The funding is expected to be available in Spring 2022. Remaining funds will be used to administer the program.
“The planned release of $65 million in anti-displacement investments this year is a key step toward ensuring that the Project Connect expansion program provides communities throughout Austin with critical transit improvements while mitigating any unintended displacement pressures,” said Awais Azhar, chair of the Project Connect Community Advisory Committee.
