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Austin losing some of its middle class, says demographer
Friday, April 3, 2009 by Austin Monitor
While the nationwide recession may have slowed growth and development activity, in the long run, pressures on the city’s housing supply and transportation infrastructure will continue, according to speakers addressing a joint meeting of the Planning Commission, Design Commission, Downtown Commission, Community Development Commission, and Zoning and Platting Commission this week.
“We shouldn’t for a minute think that we can stop talking about the need to plan for growth, because it’s not going anywhere,” said Brian Kelsey with the Capital Area Council of Governments. “Yes, the recession is slowing growth…but these challenges we are facing are not going anywhere.”
Figures provided by City Demographer Ryan Robinson showed
In addition to population data, Robinson also presented data on household incomes which revealed a trend that will likely affect those boards and commissions that deal with land use issues.
“There’s been a continuing flow of middle-class and upper-middle-class African-American households out of the city of
In the short term Robinson predicted the recession could actually boost
Both the short-term and long-term trends could increase traffic congestion and drive up demand for affordable housing. “We’ve got a lot to do. We need to build on our strengths,” said Margaret Shaw, Director of the Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Office.
“The citizens of
The representative of Capital Metro at the meeting cautioned that unless problems in transportation are addressed, gains made in the area of affordable housing could be offset. “A lot of what we talked about here tonight is providing economic opportunities…but if people can’t get there to access them, then they’re not really doing what they were intended to do,” said John-Michael Cortez. He urged commissioners to keep transportation needs in mind as they made their decisions, and to get involved in discussions over CAMPO’s 2035 Plan. “Every single one of your commissions have a lot at stake with this particular process. The decisions that are made at that level are going to trickle down and affect what gets built and maintained. Consider transit an infrastructure that is vital for the quality of life.”
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