Since its inception in 2016, BASTA’s Organizing Team (BOT) has supported more than 40 tenants associations across Travis County, resulting in tangible material benefits for thousands of low-income renters. These benefits have included securing repairs, combating mold, fighting displacement, relief from outrageous fines and fees, winning important tenant protections like relocation assistance, obtaining financial compensation from landlords for mismanagement, and much more. Beginning in 2019, BASTA’s Education & Arts Team (BEAT) has supported these organizing efforts by providing crucial Know-Your-Rights information to tens of thousands of tenants on issues ranging from eviction protection to lockouts to calling Code via community workshops, presentations, direct outreach and participatory theater techniques. BASTA’s Policy & Citywide Team works in tandem with BOT and BEAT, engaging in conversations with City and County leaders on eviction prevention strategies, tenant protections, and affordability. BASTA’s Legal Team provides guidance and support to staff and tenants, including representing individual tenants and tenants associations and ensuring educational materials are accurate. Finally, BASTA’s Data Team harnesses technology to collect, analyze and synthesize important data impacting renters, including eviction and affordability information, to help us understand the broader rental landscape and inform our strategies. Through these various approaches, BASTA works alongside tenants to build tenant power and co-create a more equitable housing landscape in Texas, centering those most impacted.
