Austin Metric

Metrics for a worthwhile LDC rewrite.

The CodeNEXT-branded process is effectively over. A new land development code (LDC) rewrite plan will be developed by the City Manager. A successful LDC rewrite would:

1. Meaningfully reduce the rate of housing cost increases
2. Catalyze transportation mode shift away from single-occupant car commutes
3. Increase …

City-owned land should maximize resident happiness.

The City of Austin's Hancock Golf Course, located in central Austin. Image courtesy of Brandon Tucker. 

The ongoing debate about the best future use of the former Reichhold Chemicals site at McKalla Place highlights two important policy gaps City Council should address: (1) the …

My proposal for the City of Austin's 2018 infrastructure bond.

I submitted the following testimony to the Bond Election Advisory Task Force following their November, 29th 2017 "interactive" Town Hall meeting.

I am writing the Task Force to ask that you to recommend an ambitious $825 million bond package to …

A high-quality CodeNEXT result requires diligent measurement.

A successful CodeNEXT would:

1. Meaningfully reduce the rate of housing cost increases
2. Catalyze transportation mode shift away from single-occupant car commutes
3. Increase economic and racial integration

These are popular goals amongst Austin policymakers and leading civic figures, at least in terms of lip …

Austin's new housing plan restricts housing supply and puts units in the wrong places. Its recommendations will accelerate the carving out of Austin's current middle-class residents.

The City of Austin is in the process of adopting a "comprehensive" housing plan (PDF) that will guide how elected officials and the housing …