Austin Housing Race Heats Up with Shift in Policy Perspectives
Austin is undergoing a significant transformation regarding its approach to housing as residents prepare for an important election in November. At the center of this change is District 10, which has historically been resistant to the city’s efforts to address its housing shortage. This election cycle presents voters with two very different candidates vying to represent the district, marking a potential shift in the city’s housing policy.
Current Landscape
District 10 encompasses parts of Central and West Austin, areas that are known for being whiter, wealthier, and older compared to other districts. Alison Alter, the current council member since 2017, has chosen not to run for reelection, opening the door for two challengers: Ashika Ganguly, a young South Asian woman advocating for expanding housing, and Marc Duchen, a middle-aged white man who supports a more cautious approach to development.
The shift in Austin’s housing policy began gaining traction after the 2018 council elections that saw a wave of pro-housing candidates. Paige Ellis, Natasha Harper-Madison, and Mayor Steve Adler were among those who favored more aggressive housing policies. However, slow and steady voices like Alter and Leslie Pool have historically resisted these changes.
The Housing Policy Debate
As the 2023 election approaches, Austin’s City Council dynamics are shifting once more. Through a growing body of research, the trend shows that increasing the housing supply has a positive impact on rental prices. KUT’s recent report indicates that as more housing units have become available in Austin, rents have noticeably decreased.
When asked about these recent trends, Duchen emphasized the need for further analysis of the city’s housing policies. He echoed concerns from some community residents, arguing that regulations like the Home Options for Mobility and Equity (HOME) initiative require more oversight to safeguard property values and neighborhood character.
In contrast, Ganguly took a clear stance supporting the fundamental laws of supply and demand in the housing market. “I believe rents have fallen because there’s more units on the market right now,” she stated, highlighting her trust in recent reforms.
Candidates’ Differing Visions
Ganguly wants to allow the current policies to develop and be assessed adequately, viewing policy as a “living process” that requires collaborative dialogue with neighbors.
Duchen, however, proposed introducing “guardrails” within housing policies, aiming to protect certain aspects of the community against rapid changes. He also highlighted the importance of reevaluating regulations on short-term rentals, arguing this could free up additional housing units.
Common Ground on Public Safety
Interestingly, both candidates seem to share common ground when it comes to public safety issues in District 10. Residents have voiced concerns over rising property crimes and the inadequacy of the Austin Police Department (APD) to address these matters. Both Ganguly and Duchen agree that retaining and recruiting officers is critical but note that simply increasing salaries may not resolve the immediate challenges.
The candidates expressed that APD should strengthen connections with community partners, allowing trained non-sworn personnel to handle non-threatening calls such as issues related to homelessness and mental health crises. “Council’s job is to serve and protect people, which includes addressing their concerns,” Duchen explained.
While Duchen proposed creating a public dashboard for tracking police reports, Ganguly emphasized the need to build a culture of trust between APD and the community, linking the city’s affordability crisis to the recruitment struggles faced by the department.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming election offers a clear choice for District 10 residents regarding the future direction of housing policy in Austin. With Ganguly’s innovative and approachable policies, contrasted with Duchen’s more traditional cautious approach, voters are faced with a significant decision that will shape the community’s real estate landscape and public safety measures for years to come.
The decisions made in the coming months could have lasting implications, not just for housing but for the very fabric of Austin’s neighborhoods.
