HACA Wins 2025 NAHRO Award of Excellence for Pathways at Rosewood Courts

The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) is proud to announce that our Pathways at Rosewood Courts redevelopment project has been recognized with a 2025 NAHRO Award of Excellence—one of the highest honors in the affordable housing industry. Out of 187 national contenders, only 17 agencies across the country received this distinction.

This recognition celebrates the transformative work being done at Rosewood Courts, a site that holds deep historical and cultural significance. Originally built in 1939 as the first public housing development in the United States for African Americans, Rosewood Courts stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of East Austin’s Black community.

Pictured above: HACA Board Chair Carl S. Richie Jr., Esq., Gloria Morgan, Sylvia Blanco, Michael Gerber, and members of the HACA team at the National NAHRO Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, where HACA received the 2025 NAHRO Award of Excellence for Pathways at Rosewood Courts.

Through a community-led redevelopment process, HACA is reimagining Rosewood Courts to meet today’s housing needs while honoring its powerful legacy. The revitalized community will feature deeply affordable and accessible homes, preserved historic structures, and new spaces for residents to gather, grow, and thrive. Central to this vision is the creation of the WOW Center (Ways of Wellness)—a space dedicated to cultural storytelling, education, and community connection.

This project represents more than new buildings—it represents a commitment to preserving history while creating opportunity for future generations. It is a model for how affordable housing can be both inclusive and respectful of the communities it serves.

We extend our deepest gratitude to NAHRO for recognizing this work and to the residents, staff, and community partners whose dedication made this honor possible. Together, we are building a future that remembers its past while opening doors to progress.