The Housing Authority of the City of Austin's vision of "creating and sustaining healthy communities that promote . . . human dignity and hope for the future" is achieved in part through the Capital Fund Program managed by the Planning and Development Department. The Capital Fund is a grant provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for physical and management improvements, emergency repairs, regulatory compliance, improvements related to drug elimination that are outside the scope of routine maintenance and other special projects.

In addition to managing the Capital Fund, the department also oversees an Energy Performance Contract. In 2001, HACA became the first housing authority in Texas to enter into a contract to reduce agency-wide water consumption. That year, toilets in all units were replaced with new energy saving models, water conserving aerators were installed in faucets and shower heads, and water lines were replaced. Through the energy conservation program, HACA is benefiting from additional annual subsidies from HUD and energy efficient rebates from the City of Austin. It its first five years, HACA realized a savings of more than $1.2 million in water expenses and more than 125 million gallons of water saved. The program has further benefits to residents and the broader Austin community. Through regular on-site trainings, residents learn techniques for reducing their utility consumption, which assists families in reaching their goals of self-sufficiency. This results in conservation of natural resources while teaching energy-saving methods that residents can implement in their homes.

The Planning & Development Dept. strives to complete modernization efforts in a way that brings developments into their surrounding neighborhoods. The overall appearance and functionality of HACA properties should reflect an attractive and colorful community that is as rich in character as it is in diversity. Through these efforts, the P&D team hopes to ultimately instill a sense of pride in every life affected by public housing.