San Antonio Councilmember's 'Stay SA' Plan for Affordable Housing

San Antonio City Councilmember Proposes "Stay SA" Plan for Affordable Housing Development

San Antonio City Councilmember Teri Castillo has introduced the "Stay SA" plan to promote affordable housing development in the city. The plan targets three key areas: downtown, transit links, and higher education institutions. It incorporates incentives such as the "affordability unlocked" bonus, which relaxes restrictions on mixed-income or affordable housing projects, akin to Austin's approach. The plan also features an "equitable transit-oriented development" (eTOD) bonus, aimed at areas near VIA rapid-transit stations to enhance eligibility for federal grants. Additionally, a "university neighborhood density bonus" is proposed to attract faculty, staff, and students around universities like the University of Texas-San Antonio. In tandem, Castillo aims to institute a program for the downtown Public Improvement District, subject to approval from the Governance Committee.

Key Takeaways

• Councilmember Teri Castillo proposes the "Stay SA" plan for affordable housing development in San Antonio.
• The plan includes density bonuses for mixed-income and affordable residential developments.
• An "equitable transit-oriented development" bonus focuses on areas near VIA rapid-transit stations.
• A "university neighborhood density bonus" aims to attract faculty, staff, and students around higher education campuses.
• The plan could enhance eligibility for federal grants by incorporating affordable units near transit stations.

Analysis

The implementation of Councilmember Teri Castillo's "Stay SA" plan could significantly enhance affordable housing in San Antonio, impacting developers, residents, and local economies. Direct incentives such as relaxed restrictions and density bonuses will likely attract developers to mixed-income projects. The eTOD bonuses near transit stations could also secure federal grants, thus enhancing infrastructure. In the long run, increased housing density around universities may stabilize faculty and staff housing, potentially benefiting educational institutions and local businesses. The proposed downtown Public Improvement District program, if approved, could revitalize the city center, attracting more investment and tourism.

Did You Know?

• Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (eTOD):
  • Definition: eTOD integrates affordable housing and community services with high-quality public transit to ensure equitable access and development opportunities for all residents, particularly those with lower incomes.
  • Purpose: It aims to reduce transportation costs and improve accessibility to jobs, education, and healthcare, promoting social and economic equity.
  • Implementation: In the "Stay SA" plan, eTOD bonuses incentivize development near VIA rapid-transit stations, potentially increasing the likelihood of securing federal grants for such projects.
• Density Bonuses:
  • Definition: Density bonuses are incentives offered to developers to increase the number of housing units they build beyond what is typically allowed, in exchange for including affordable or mixed-income housing units.
  • Benefits: They help in maximizing land use efficiency, promoting mixed-income communities, and addressing housing shortages by increasing the supply of both market-rate and affordable units.
  • Application in "Stay SA": The plan proposes density bonuses for areas around universities and transit stations, encouraging higher density developments that include affordable housing components.
• Public Improvement District (PID):
  • Definition: A PID is a defined area where property owners collectively assess themselves an additional tax or fee to fund improvements and services that benefit the district.
  • Management: PIDs are typically managed by a special board or organization, such as Centro San Antonio in the context of the "Stay SA" plan.
  • Role in "Stay SA": The proposed PID downtown would be used to develop and manage public improvements, potentially enhancing the attractiveness and livability of the downtown area as part of the affordable housing strategy.