Austin Housing Finance Corp. reauthorizes $5.5M loan to Foundation Communities with extended affordability period

Austin — The Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) on March 12 reauthorized a $5.5 million loan to Foundation Communities for a redevelopment project, with a staff-reported extension of the affordability term and adjustments to eligible median family incomes.

Mandy DeMaio, representing AHFC, told the board the loan had been previously approved and this action reauthorizes the $5,500,000 loan because there were changes to the application and an increase in the number of units. DeMaio said some MFIs were adjusted to accommodate existing residents who will be temporarily relocated during redevelopment and that the affordability period was extended from 40 to 41 years.

Council and board members asked clarifying questions about the program and term lengths. The term is 41 years, and the board had no additional speakers signed up to comment on the AHFC item. Staff offered the item on consent and the board approved the AHFC consent agenda including the loan authorization.

Why it matters: AHFC loans are used to preserve and develop affordable housing in Austin. The extension of the affordability period and adjustment of MFIs are material to how long units remain income-restricted and which households qualify during redevelopment.

What’s next: The loan was adopted on consent by the AHFC board; staff said backup materials include details on unit counts and MFIs. The AHFC staff indicated representatives from Foundation Communities were present as part of the public record.