Affordable housing programs tied to mixed-use construction citywide and taller towers downtown are now in effect.

The details: City Council approved the new measures both in response to tensions over another mixed-use building program, and a 2025 state law that's impacted how Austin can incentivize affordable housing with new development. Certain building entitlements that the city had previously traded for public benefits, like low-income housing, were automatically permitted under Senate Bill 840. That change prompted a local response to ensure continued affordable housing additions.

A citywide density bonus program called DBC is now in place, succeeding a similar previous program—density bonus 90, or DB90—that's been used in dozens of zoning cases since its creation more than two years ago. One week after DBC's passage, council members separately approved an update to Austin's Downtown Density Bonus Program. The longtime incentive has required affordable housing units or funding to be contributed as new high-rises were built downtown.

Hotel Trinity is headed for downtown, offering fine dining, luxury lodging and rooftop guest amenities later this year, according to a news release. 

The new hotel will be part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and marks hotel management company White Lodging’s 13th hotel in Austin. White Lodging is also behind other local spots like Westin Hotel, Corinne, Zanzibar and JW Marriott Austin.

Learn more: The hotel features 258 guest rooms across 14 floors with 20 suites and an additional 6,671-square-feet of event space. The boutique hotel is designed to accommodate gatherings from 12-300 guests, according to its website. 

Craving seafood? Locals and guests can also expect a fine dining experience at The Yacht Club, which will bring a selection of fresh oysters and signature dishes. The restaurant is set to open in fall 2026, according to its website, and offer a tasting menu, caviar service and champagne pairings. 

• 311 E. Fifth St., Austin

A local environmental nonprofit marked the 100th anniversary of the Barton Springs Road Bridge—which opened June 21, 1926, according to a city representative—with a community celebration June 21.

The details: Save Our Springs Alliance, an Austin-based nonprofit focused on protecting the Edwards Aquifer and Barton Springs watershed, hosted a centennial event June 21 at the bridge near the entrance to Zilker Park.

The celebrations took place amid an active debate over the bridge's future, as the city of Austin moves forward with plans to replace the structure.

Some context: As Community Impact reported June 15, Austin Transportation and Public Works has the bridge in the design phase, with bid and award expected late 2026 to early 2027 and construction slated to begin in summer 2027. 

City officials say the 1926 structure, while structurally fair, has features that are functionally obsolete and presents mobility challenges for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Save Our Springs contends, citing city documents, that restoration would cost less than demolition and a wider replacement, and that construction would harm Barton Creek habitat.