,  Austin Chamber of Commerce View All Reponses >>

Affordability is discussed a lot in our community. How do you define affordability?

Todd Phelps

Mayor

In an ideal sense affordability means that there would be a wide range of housing options in Austin whether one is a laborer, hair dresser, musician, teacher, high tech worker or retiree and that total housing costs would be in the acceptable range of HUD guidelines of 30% or less of family income. In an affordable community, both large and small businesses should be able to operate on their merits instead of being forced to close due to the level of property taxes.