Mention the worlds “mobile homes,” and what might come to mind are double-wides for lower-income families. To the Austin City Council, mobile homes could be a likely tool to solve the metro’s growing housing affordability problem. Yet, rapid redevelopment resulting in gentrification is leading to displacement of these homes.

The city council, at a recent meeting, identified mobile home parks as “vital in battling the city’s affordability crisis,” according to Community Impact. To that end, the focus has been on zoning changes to protect the current parks – of which there are 37 that are zoned correctly. That total could be higher, however, as it’s uncertain how many parks are not zoned.

The changes were due under the defunct CodeNEXT, which was to have been a rewrite of Austin’s land-use code. As such, District 4 Council Member Greg Casar, who is the head sponsor of the zoning change, indicated that “emergency action” is necessary.

Get CRE News in 150 words

For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Amy Sorter