At its meeting last week, the Community Development Commission learned about a newly-launched $5 million grant opportunity aimed at combating displacement and promoting economic mobility near Austin’s Project Connect transit corridors.
Housing Department staff explained that the current $5 million solicitation is the final portion of a $15.9 million allocation for fiscal years three through five of the Community Initiated Solutions (CIS) program. Of that total, $10.9 million has already been awarded to eight community organizations that had received funding in earlier rounds and applied to continue their programs. The remaining funds are now open to competitive proposals from nonprofit organizations operating within one mile of Project Connect lines.
Questions during the meeting focused on how the funding amount was determined and how it fits into the broader $300 million anti-displacement strategy tied to the transit expansion. Commissioners also had questions about eligibility, whether previously funded organizations could reapply and how new groups would be supported. Staff confirmed both new and existing 501(c)(3) organizations are encouraged to apply. Mission Capital, a nonprofit partner for the program, is providing free technical assistance to help applicants align their proposals with program goals and develop work plans and deliverables…