While council's on lunch break, Mayor Adler and other officials and housing advocates are holding a brief press conference here at city hall. Starting now 
https://twitter.com/BThompson_CI/status/1465719920369577990
Adler repeats that, regardless of how land development court case goes, council can find some consensus on housing policy, the goal of today's session. Says "many more opportunities" on policy are coming
Adler now reading out a proclamation covering need for affordable housing supply, naming this Housing Affordability and Supply week in the city
Awais Azhar, HousingWorks board member, highlights city allocations for affordable housing and homelessness. Also cites rising housing and rental costs, lagging progress on Austin's 10-year strategic housing goals as background for possible council action in the weeks ahead
Luke Metzger with Environment Texas now speaking to the tie between the local housing crunch and environmental concerns. Says many city policies limit "responsible" development and asks for further private sector buy-in in this area
CM Casar now speaking to a question on what the city is doing to make lower-income housing safer given health/repair concerns. Says city needs further investment in working class spaces, including renovations while also maintaining rent levels, and adding more housing overall
Casar also says there's been a lot of work leading to this point of council getting to consensus policy items, following years of rising prices and market concerns. Kitchen points to her VMU item passed this month as "one piece" of this process
Renteria pointing to recent/ongoing housing investments on the east side including the Saltillo area, Chalmers project and more. Also says the city may be seeking a housing bond for more funds next year
Adler says the city has done all it could for "immediate" relief and wishes more that could take place overnight. Calls housing an "emergency situation" and "existential challenge," says relevant policies need to be kicked off now. Says it's a "different mission" than LDC process
To question on why council isn't tackling single-family zoning issues today, Adler says it's an issue of there not being a majority vote on the dais to make changes there. Reiterates that this time is focused on policy with agreement
Presser wraps up and we'll be back to council's work session in a few minutes
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