Today, I joined with a broad coalition of business, faith, and community leaders in kicking off Keep Austin Affordable (http://KeepATXAffordable.org)! Keep Austin Affordable is a community-led campaign to raise awareness about the great need that exists in Austin for affordable housing, the local solutions that work, and the public investment that’s critical to addressing this growing challenge for our city.
We were all surprised when the affordable housing bonds were narrowly rejected by Austin voters last November. That’s why I am a part of Keep Austin Affordable and our call for city bonds to be put back on the ballot in November 2013.

Go to http://KeepATXAffordable.org to join the effort!

Did you know that Austin is in the top 10 most expensive rental markets in the nation? Over 38,000 families in Austin cannot find an affordable place to call home. And Austin ISD reports 1975 students were homeless last year.

While the need is great, the city’s affordable housing program, in partnership with local organizations, has been incredibly successful.

Previous bonds have helped build and repair thousands of affordable homes for seniors, working families, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Funding affordable housing bonds isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s economically smart.

The bonds improve the social health and the economic health of Austin. They generate rent and property taxes for the city and revitalizes neighborhoods and raises property values. Every city dollar attracts four more in matching funds from outside sources, so the money goes a long way.

It’s an investment-in people and in the city. It will help keep Austin the kind of place that we admire and enjoy living in.

We need your help to spread the word and keep a good thing going!

Go to http://KeepATXAffordable.org to join the effort!

And be sure to like the campaign on Facebook at http://Facebook.com/KeepAustinAffordable and follow it on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/keepatxafford.