ATX 10

The Austin Forward Research Center has published the ATX 10.

The Austin Forward Research Center is proud to present the ATX 10. The ATX 10 project looked to find the top 10 issues facing Austin today and in the future by researching both the media and what residents experience every day. The following report is a shortened version; to see the full report, see the Austin Forward Research Center website. 

The ATX 10

#1 Transportation

Austin’s roads are very congested, as this is a car dependent city. Possibly because the public transportation systems, including the CapMetro buses and trains, do not go far enough outside the city. Now with Project Connect, Austin's transportation hopes to expand.

#2 Housing 

Both the quantity and quality of housing have been issues in Austin. One big barrier has been zoning laws. City council has since relaxed Austin's zoning laws, allowing for a variety of housing and cheaper housing options.

#3 Public Safety

The emergency response time in and around the city has some residents worried. Whether that be because of the number of officers or because of the traffic, response time is important to residents. Additionally, Austin hosts some very popular events such as SXSW (South by Southwest) and ACL (Austin City Limits), which uses much of the security and then slows down emergency response time. 

#4 City Development

City development is crucial to Austin. Mainly because Austin's population growth was at very high rates until recently. With this slowed population growth, compared to past decades, it could be a chance for Austin to catch up.

#5 Affordability

  Besides housing, Austin has a high cost of living. Including property taxes, but also the general cost of living, including city fees and childcare, are high expenses for residents. 

#6 Climate Change and Sustainability

The green spaces and environment of Austin are not a main priority for many. However, it is important to keep a high quality of the water and keep our city clean. As this population grows, it is important to keep the cities' water and environment a priority.   

#7 City Government Services

  Austin's city government has a lot of proud residents. There are services, such as mental health services, that residents have expressed they wish came from the city government. 

#8 Homelessness 

While this, like many of the other issues discussed are not unique to Austin, it is very visible in the city. This does, however, speak to a larger issue of the affordability of the city and the ability to be sustainable in Austin.

#9 Correspondence with the State

  Austin's political alignment does not reflect that of the state. As Austin is the state captiol it has made for a very difficult relationship between state and city government. While city policy can proceed without the state's approval, the uneasy relationship has made the city's job more difficult.

#10 Culture

When considering what should be our next steps in policy and priorities, it is important to keep the city's culture in mind. Austin was founded on culture and many find the city irresistible because of the culture. It is important to value what made Austin so appealing to many. 

To see the full report please find the ATX 10 tab on this page. We hope you enjoy!