Affordability Unlocked is a program that allows developers to bypass certain building regulations in exchange for renting or selling half of the homes they build to people with low incomes. This initiative provides small developers with training, mentoring, networking, and potential funding opportunities for eligible real estate projects in Austin. The project is located in district two of the city, an area that is expected to construct 4,492 new housing units according to the housing plan. Capital Impact Partners has trained more than 200 developers through its Equitable Development Initiative and also offers funding for eligible real estate projects in Austin. Unfortunately, fewer than five percent of housing developers in the United States are people of color and only a third are women.
In late August, a large group of affordable housing advocates, politicians, and renters gathered on the sidewalk in front of a courthouse in downtown Austin to witness the launch of Foundation Communities' largest affordable housing expansion in Austin's history. The organization promotes their mission to preserve and increase the supply of affordable housing through research, education, and promotion in Austin, Texas and the surrounding region. They are committed to ensuring that those most in need have access to safe and affordable housing. Homeowners who are interested in buying one of these homes will have the opportunity to attend financial education courses and dedicate 200 hours of volunteer work to other projects in the community. The Affordable Unlocked program is an innovative way for developers to create more affordable housing options for those who need it most. By providing training, mentoring, networking, and potential funding opportunities for eligible real estate projects in Austin, this program is helping to bridge the gap between those who can afford housing and those who cannot.
Additionally, by offering financial education courses and volunteer opportunities for homeowners interested in buying one of these homes, this program is helping to create a more equitable community. The city of Cedar Park is taking steps to ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. Through initiatives such as Affordability Unlocked and Capital Impact Partners' Equitable Development Initiative, Cedar Park is helping to create a more equitable community by providing training, mentoring, networking, and potential funding opportunities for eligible real estate projects. Additionally, by offering financial education courses and volunteer opportunities for homeowners interested in buying one of these homes, Cedar Park is helping to bridge the gap between those who can afford housing and those who cannot.
