The City of Austin was recently awarded the 2015 HUD Secretary’s Opportunity and Empowerment Award by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the American Planning Association (APA) for the Mueller Redevelopment and Reuse Plan.
The plan involves the transformation of the Mueller Municipal Airport into a 700-acre mixed-use community on the east side of Austin. The award is given to plans or projects that have been around for at least three years and have proven to enhance the quality of life for both low-income and moderate-income community residents.
The idea to transform the airport and revitalize the east side of Austin was really put into motion after voters approved to move the airport. In 2000, the Mueller Redevelopment and Reuse Plan was passed by city council.
Today, Mueller is home to approximately 13,000 people, 13,000 employees, 140 acres of public open space, 5,700 homes and four million square feet of office and retail space.