The new office is dedicated to consolidating the city’s efforts to house unhoused residents.
According to a story on CBS Austin, the Texas capital is establishing a Homeless Strategy Office tasked with overseeing the city’s response to the homelessness crisis and the disparate efforts of various departments to provide housing and support for unhoused residents. “The goals are to provide more emergency shelter, rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing. The office will oversee city-run shelters, encampment cleanups, communications, and relations with other agencies.”
A press release from the city explains that the new office is part of a reorganization resulting from a review by Interim City Manager Jesús Garza, who found the city’s current structure ineffective. “Consequently, I am establishing a stand-alone Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) to serve as a focal point for addressing homelessness comprehensively, strategically, and compassionately,” Garza said.
“There are also plans for an independent assessment of homeless services provided by the city and partners like Central Health and Travis County.”
FULL STORY: Austin to establish dedicated Homeless Strategy Office for more coordinated approach
Evaluating D.C.’s Plan to House Encampment Residents
One year into a pilot program to reduce encampments by offering housing and services to residents, almost three-quarters of participants have moved into housing.
$150 Million for L.A.’s Unhoused People Go Unspent
The city returned nearly $150 million in federal funding directed to providing shelter and supportive services to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Austin Selects Two Potential Sites for Sanctioned Encampments
The city plans to install temporary housing and facilities as part of its efforts to reduce homelessness and help people move into permanent housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont