More than 32,000 affordable housing units were built in Austin from 2018 to 2024, representing progress toward decade-long goals established in 2017. However, options for the lowest-income residents remain scarce citywide and many parts of town continue to see relatively few affordable additions.

The details: Affordable housing gains in Austin are monitored under the city's 10-year Strategic Housing Blueprint, which includes the high-level aim of creating at least 60,000 new income-restricted housing units by 2028. New data through 2024 was released in May.

Austin passed its decade-long goal of adding at least 15,000 new units for some low-income earners, and the city has made strides toward preserving affordable housing and adding new development in active areas. As of 2024 however, housing for the lowest income brackets continued to lag and new construction may slow thanks to larger market forces.

A geographic split in affordable development is also continuing, with much of West Austin falling well below blueprint benchmarks while areas on the east side were well beyond their targets as of 2024.

Check out recent business updates in West Campus and downtown, including two new toy stores, a new cocktail bar and a temporary farewell to Paramount Theatre. 

This list is not comprehensive.

Now open
Modern Bar
Urbanspace Hospitality has debuted a new cocktail destination in the Rainey Street District. The bar is located on the first floor of The Modern Austin Residences.

• Opened April 10

• 90 Rainey St., Ste. 100, Austin

Orange Pocket
The store opened in the west campus on Valentine’s Day stocked with blind boxes, beauty products and collectibles. The grand opening featured free tote bags for the first 200 customers, as well as Sonny Angel and Smiski giveaways, according to its Instagram.

• Opened Feb. 14

• 2222 Rio Grande St #170, Austin

Check out the latest transportation projects across the Austin metro. 

Upcoming projects
Bee Cave Road AI traffic signals
Project: West Lake Hills will install nine artificial intelligence traffic signals along Bee Cave Road to try and improve traffic efficiency along the corridor.
Update: City Council moved forward with funding the traffic signals April 22.

• Timeline: TBD
• Cost: $360,000
• Funding source: city tax revenue proceeds, general fund

• Timeline: August 2024-summer 2027
• Cost: $52.4 million
• Funding source: Williamson County 2019 road bond

The Lorraine "Grandma" Camacho Activity Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary, honoring a longtime commitment to outdoor activities, youth programming and community, according to a news release. 

What they offer: The activity center offers recreational activities for people of all abilities, including nature-based education, arts and culture programming and a youth filmmaking program. 

The history: The activity center was established in 2000 to honor East Austin resident Lorraine Camacho, who was an advocate and active community organizer. 

• 35 Robert T. Martinez Jr. St., Austin