Making the Connection Between People and Jobs

Posted May 13, 2011

Released May 12, 2011, The Brookings Institution's Missed Opportunity: Transit and Jobs in Metropolitan America, ranked the 100 major metropolitan areas in the U.S. on their public transit coverage and access to employment. Austin-Round-Rock-San Marcos MSA ranked 50th out of 100. While 47% of Austin MSA working-age residents live near a transit stop, the average for all 100 major metropolitan areas was 69%. For the full report, click on the link below:

http://www.brookings.edu/metro/jobs_and_transit.aspx »

2010 Census Data is Unveiled

Posted May 13, 2011

While more detailed data should be available by summer 2011, the first wave of 2010 census data shows some surprising trends for Austin. Currently the 14th largest metropolitan area in the country, Austin is one of the fastest growing communities (ranking 4th in population growth rate between 2000 and 2010). But our largest growth comes from the surburbs, rather than the urban core. In fact, more than 71% of our growth can be attributed to the suburbs. And many of Austin's inner city census tracts actually experienced population decline between 2000 and 2010.

City of Austin demographer Ryan Robinson presented his findings at UT School of Law in April 2011. You can review his presentation by clicking on the link below:

ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/GIS-Data/planning/Demographic%20presentations/Directors_Census_2010.ppt »

$500,000 for Mary Lee Foundation's Affordable Housing

Posted May 13, 2011

Developers of BartonPlace condominiums on Barton Springs Road have committed to donating $500,000 to Mary Lee Foundation, a local nonprofit corporation, to develop 40 deeply affordable rental homes on nearby Lamar Square Drive. Mary Lee's existing properties on Lamar Square Drive provide more than 200 affordable apartment homes for disabled Austinites. Donations like this demonstrate a local commitment to affordable housing and will hopefully lead to a coordinated and comprehensive local policy regarding development and investment in affordability.

Local media coverage of the donation can be found at the link below:

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/low-rent-housing-planned-for-zilker-neighborhood-1452248.html »