The resolution
During a City Council meeting April 4, the city of Dripping Springs adopted a resolution declaring a need for a regional housing authority and entered into an agreement with the Texas Housing Foundation, or THF.
“We go in and address affordable housing issues in communities across the state,” THF CEO Mark Mayfield said. “Since the city of Dripping Springs does not have a public housing authority, the resolution allows the THF to exercise its authority within [the city’s] jurisdictional boundaries. We can begin to address affordable housing needs here.”
There is a shortage of affordable housing to lower-income residents of Dripping Springs, according to the resolution. The THF will be authorized to negotiate with the city to develop and operate affordable housing communities.
“We know that this is an area that struggles with housing costs,” Mayor Pro Tem Taline Manassian said. “This resolution is asking [THF] to include us as an area that they would consider for future projects.”
What is THF?
The THF is governed by a board of directors appointed by participating counties including Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Llano and Williamson. The housing authority is self-funded and does not receive funds from the federal, state or local government. THF has almost over 7,000 affordable housing units across Texas, according to Mayfield.
Affordable housing in Dripping Springs
In 2022, the median family income for the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area was $110,300 for a family of four, according to the City of Austin Housing and Planning Department.
Aside from senior living, affordable housing communities in Dripping Springs include the Springs Apartments.
