Austin affordable housing shortage hits communities of color hardest, study finds
Austin affordable housing shortage hits communities of color hardest, study finds KXAN.com
sdgtalks
Austin Board of Realtors Analyzes Affordable Housing Shortage
The Austin Board of Realtors (ABoR) conducted a further analysis of housing data and discovered that certain city council districts and racial/ethnic groups were disproportionately affected by the shortage of affordable housing.
Impact on Different Districts and Groups
According to ABoR’s report, in August 2023, more than half of four-person households earning up to 80% of Austin’s median income (approximately $93,450) faced a severe shortage of homes. This amounted to an estimated 211,023 households.
Further analysis revealed that the impact of the shortage varied across the 10 Austin City Council districts and different racial and ethnic groups.
- The shortage was most severe among black or African American households.
- The shortage was least severe among white, non-Hispanic or Latino households and Asian households.
These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address the housing shortage based on specific district and demographic characteristics.
District-Level Analysis
District 4 in North Austin was identified as having the greatest proportional need for new housing in order to meet demand. ABoR estimated a 65% undersupply, indicating a requirement for 27,815 additional homes to bridge the gap.
On the other hand, District 10 in Northwest Austin had the lowest proportional need for new housing, with a 39.3% undersupply and a need for 25,627 homes.
Missing Homes in Specific Districts
ABoR reported that District 5 in South Austin had the highest number of missing homes, with 32,109 units needed and a 53.4% undersupply. District 7, spanning from Central to far North Austin, followed closely with a demand for 31,130 homes and a 51.3% undersupply.
Factors Contributing to the Shortage
ABoR’s housing economist, Clare Losey, identified several factors contributing to the affordable housing shortage. One significant factor is the high cost of materials required for new home construction, which hinders efforts to close the gap.
Potential Solutions
Losey suggested that one potential solution to the affordable housing shortage is the establishment of down-payment assistance programs. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of eliminating regulations that artificially restrict homebuilders or developers from constructing new homes or apartment units.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article discusses the shortage of affordable housing in Austin, which is connected to the goal of eradicating poverty (SDG 1) and creating sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property.
- Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
Based on the article’s content, the targets identified are related to ensuring equal rights to economic resources and access to affordable housing for all.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure.
- Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
The article mentions the shortage of affordable housing and the need for new housing in certain districts. These can be indicators of progress towards ensuring access to affordable housing (Target 11.1). The article also highlights the impact of the shortage on different racial and ethnic groups, which can be an indicator of progress towards ensuring equal rights to economic resources (Target 1.4).
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property. | Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: kxan.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
