AUSTIN, Texas — With housing costs climbing in Austin, some longtime residents say they are worried their children and grandchildren may not be able to afford to stay in the city — and they want city leaders to act.

Shana McWilliams, who has lived in Austin for 47 years, said she has watched rents rise dramatically over time.

“Honestly, I don’t really see anything happening tremendous that’s going to help my grandchildren,” McWilliams said.

She compared what she paid years ago to what similar housing costs now.

“The same house as I rented raising my children would go for $600 for a four-bedroom, two bath, that same exact house that I raised my children in is now going for almost $2,000, $2500,” she said.

Data from West Austin Properties shows the average price of an Austin-area home sold in July 2021 was about $458,000. This July, it was nearly $593,000 — up nearly 30%.

McWilliams said the rising costs are putting pressure on her family.

“It’s sad for me as a mother to watch my children struggle and me have to work extra hard to help them help them stay afloat,” she said.

City Council members and candidates on the ballot are scheduled to speak Monday evening at Assembly Hall about how they plan to address housing affordability.

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Greg Anderson, Director of Community Affairs for Austin Habitat for Humanity, said progress is being made but more work remains.

“I know we’re hearing some good news on the housing front, but there’s also a lot of things we still have to work on when it comes to housing policy, the development of housing, and just making it easier for the folks who want to be able to live here to be able do so affordably,” Anderson said.

McWilliams said residents want affordability to be treated as a priority, arguing it affects more than just housing.

“If you focus on bringing down the pricing of housing, then you help out on the food end, on the working end. Some parents can’t even afford to go to work because of their children. It’s cheaper to stay home,” she said.

The forum begins at 5 p.m. at Assembly Hall downtown. It is open to the public.