The Case For CodeNEXT’s Elimination of Conditional Overlays

We strongly support CodeNEXT’s proposed elimination of “conditional overlays,” commonly called COs, as a tool for future rezones. As explained below, COs greatly complicate the City of Austin’s zoning process, significantly increase costs, and require extensive lot-by-lot rezonings that detract…

Advocacy For a Strong Affordable Housing Bond 2018

Yesterday, AURA member Kaz Wojtewicz testified before the Housing and Neighborhoods committee in favor of a $300 million bond for affordable housing with an emphasis on public housing.  To address our housing crisis, we need CodeNEXT to deliver a housing market that…

Evaluating CapMetro’s MetroRapid Infill Stations

Capital Metro has bids out for 16 infill stations on the MetroRapid 801 and 803 lines. We’re excited! The stop spacing on the MetroRapid lines has been too far apart. In AURA’s Connections 2025 position statement we called for standard stop spacing…

A $300 million affordable housing bond in 2018

2018 NEED: $300 MILLION IN NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOND FUNDS AURA advocates for an Austin for Everyone. That means an Austin where everyone can afford housing that works for their families. While we believe that market rate construction is a…

We need transit lanes on Guadalupe!

We call on Austin City Council to amend the Draft Corridor Construction Plan to dedicate transit priority lanes along the Guadalupe Corridor. Guadalupe Street by The University of Texas, also known as “The Drag,” is Austin’s primary transit spine. AURA…

It’s time to legalize backyard cottages citywide

AURA—an all-volunteer, member-driven grassroots organization—responded to the fundraising report for the pro-Proposition 1 PAC ‘Let’s Go Austin’. “I’m not surprised they think it’s a good idea to spend half a million dollars on mailers that are going straight to the trash can.…

An Imagine Austin Primer

For Immediate Release AURA will host a press conference Tuesday, November 17 at 8:30 am at City Hall November 17, 2015 Austin, Texas AURA, an urbanist grassroots non-profit that works toward an Austin for Everyone, along with a diverse coalition…