Innovative, Resident-centered Affordable Housing Solutions
Who We Are
- + affordable housing units
- $ M+ in annual rental assistance
- people housed
The Austin Housing Authority provides affordable housing solutions across Austin for people of all income levels. We deliver innovative housing strategies, strong partnerships, and supportive services that foster self-reliance.
Our team of 250 professionals supports more than 22,000 affordable housing units and contributes $93 million annually in rental assistance to the local economy. We serve 27,000 residents through project-based properties, voucher programs, and communities developed by our subsidiary, the Austin Affordable Housing Corporation.
The Austin Housing Authority is governed by a Board of Commissioners and administers programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). We are an independent public entity, separate from the City of Austin.
Mission
Provide affordable housing so that every Austinite has a place they’re proud to call home and can pursue their full potential.
Commitments
These are the values and principles that guide our work.
Resident-centered
We consider our residents’ well-being and quality of life with every decision we make and action we take.
Innovative
We pursue innovative ways to deliver the best affordable housing options possible, with a focus on maximizing resources and maintaining quality housing for the long term.
Good Stewards
We work with integrity and transparency, making strategic, thoughtful investments to create a positive economic impact for our community.
Care Deeply
Our commitment to resident success drives everything we do, inspiring the same dedication in our staff and partners across the community.
Honor Commitments
We take our commitments seriously. We do what we say we’re going to do and remain accountable if circumstances change.
Our Board of Commissioners
Carl S. Richie Jr., Esq.
Chairman, Attorney, Law Offices of Carl S. Richie, Jr.
Dr. Tyra Duncan-Hall
Vice-Chairperson, Former Austin Community College Provost
Mary Apostolou
Second Vice-Chair & Resident Commissioner
Edwina Carrington
Commissioner, Former State Agency Director
Barbra Boeta
Commissioner, Director Corporate Responsibility, Texas Capital
Executive Leadership Team
Michael Gerber
President & CEO
Sylvia Calderon
Chief Operating Officer
Barbara Chen
Chief Financial Officer
Ron Kowal
Vice President, Austin Affordable Housing Corporation
Michael Cummings
Vice President, Southwest Housing Compliance Corporation
Gloria Morgan
Vice President of Human Capital and Professional Development
Michael Roth
Vice President of Pathways Asset Management
Laura Bodai
Vice President of Assisted Housing
History
1937-1943
The Austin Housing Authority is established as one of the first public housing authorities in the country, resulting from the U.S. Housing Act of 1937. Our first three major communities were built, and residents moved into their new homes at Santa Rita Courts, Rosewood Courts, and Chalmers Courts.
1952-1968
We opened new communities, including Meadowbrook and Booker T. Washington, and broadened access to affordable housing for seniors and persons with disabilities at Salina Apartments and Lakeside Apartments.
This era also marked a national milestone for fair housing with President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Fair Housing Act and inviting residents from Santa Rita Courts to the White House.
1973-1990
More affordable housing communities are opened across the city, including Georgian Manor, Thurmond Heights, Goodrich Place, Gaston Place, Northgate Apartments, Shadowbend, Manchaca Village, Manchaca II, and Coronado Hills.
During this time, the Family Self-Sufficiency program begins, helping residents create pathways to financial stability.
2000-2003
We established two new subsidiaries to further our mission: Southwest Housing Compliance Corporation (SHCC) helps ensure quality housing through HUD contract administration, while Austin Affordable Housing Corporation (AAHC) expands access to affordable housing for moderate- to low-income Austinites.
2010-2019
We strengthened resident self-sufficiency through new programs focused on education, workforce, and healthcare resources, and completed significant redevelopment projects that revitalized the Thurmond Heights and Chalmers South communities.
2024-2027
As we celebrate 90 years of service, we continue investing in the future through transformative redevelopment projects at Rosewood Courts, Santa Rita Courts, and Prospect Heights.
Awards
We show up every day committed to doing the work that matters. These industry recognitions are just a reflection of the high standards and dedication our team brings to it.
Organization
Award
Year
Annual Reports
Open Records Requests
To request records or documents from Austin Housing Authority under the Public Information Act, please complete this form.