ABoR lauds Watson’s leadership following campaign’s release of housing plan
In first major policy unveiling, Kirk Watson is prioritizing housing
AUSTIN, Texas— Following the release of Kirk Watson’s housing policy proposal “Responding to Austin’s Housing Emergency,” the Austin Board of REALTORS® leadership released the following statements:
Cord Shiflet, 2022 President, Austin Board of REALTORS®
“Once again, Kirk Watson has demonstrated that he is the best candidate for Mayor of Austin. This week, ABoR held a housing summit, that Kirk attended, that left no doubt about the path in front of us to fix our housing development and supply issues. It won’t be one person or entity to fix it. Kirk understands this, which is why he is calling for a Central Texas Housing Partnership coalition and the use of every tool in the toolbox to make progress. He knows we need to make a collaborative effort and that the City of Austin should pull all levers at its disposal to make meaningful change. These are traits of a leader who can get big things done. We look forward to engaging with Kirk on his housing policy plan and bringing significant and lasting change to Austin’s development and housing processes so anyone that wants to buy a home in Austin can do so.”
Emily Chenevert, CEO, Austin Board of REALTORS®
“Kirk Watson’s housing policy proposal release reinforces ABoR’s decision to endorse him. Candidates for office in Austin need to put housing first and the release of his thoughtful and targeted housing policy proposal as his initial policy launch demonstrates the seriousness with which he is approaching his bid for mayor and a willingness to take on the hard issues. We are pleased with many aspects of the plan, particularly the direct calls to cut targeted development fees and conduct a transparent, comprehensive review of the City’s planning process — recommendations ABoR made in our recent Central Texas Housing Development Fees Analysis. We share his concern for how rising home prices are exasperating generational inequity and the need to prevent that inequity from occurring. This is a great first step by a serious candidate to address the most pressing challenge for our city and region.”
The Austin Board of REALTORS® is a nonprofit organization that has been serving the needs of Central Texas REALTORS® and homebuyers, sellers, and renters for nearly a century. Through professional development, grassroots advocacy, and community, we give our 18,000+ members the power they need to ensure people have homes. Our multiple listing service (MLS) connects both agents and consumers with the most accurate and robust real estate marketplace in the region. For more information, contact the ABoR public relations team at abor@ecprtexas.com. For the latest local housing market listings, visit AustinHomeSearch.com.