Austin, Texas, is working to enhance its housing programs to advance economic mobility and expand access to long-term financial opportunities for all residents. FUSE Executive Fellow Lasandra Barksdale will develop data-driven strategies to evaluate program effectiveness, strengthen housing initiatives, and explore sustainable financing models to support first-time homebuyers and income-restricted renters. Ultimately, this will help Austin enhance its housing system, support upward mobility, and foster a more inclusive and financially resilient community.
Beginning in October 2025, Barksdale will collaborate with the City of Austin Housing Department, internal city partners, and community stakeholders to assess and enhance the City’s housing programs’ support for residents’ financial progress. This work will help Austin build on its existing housing and anti-displacement strategies by improving measurement, aligning programs with upward mobility goals, and identifying sustainable tools to expand housing opportunities.
