2026 Martin Luther King Day
The Housing Authority of Travis County’s office will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The Housing Authority of Travis County (HATC) pauses today to honor and commemorate the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., a transformative figure whose moral courage and visionary advocacy helped shape the Civil Rights Movement and the nation’s pursuit of equality and equity.
Until his assassination in 1968, Dr. King worked alongside grassroots organizers, fellow civil rights leaders, and members of Congress to challenge systemic injustice and advance civil and human rights. Central to his work was a steadfast commitment to fair housing, grounded in his belief that housing discrimination both reflected and reinforced racial inequity. Dr. King understood that access to safe, affordable, and equitable housing was foundational to achieving true social and economic justice.
In the wake of Dr. King’s organizing efforts in Chicago, and amid the national outcry following his death, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which included the landmark Fair Housing Act. This legislation stands as a testament to Dr. King’s tireless advocacy and his ability to galvanize a nation toward meaningful change. His pursuit of justice served as the catalyst that helped move policy forward and reshape the American landscape.
In observance of this federal holiday, HATC issues a call to action: we encourage community service, volunteerism, and thoughtful reflection on how each of us can advance Dr. King’s ideals in our daily lives. As an agency, we reaffirm our commitment to equal housing opportunity and renew our resolve to confront and dismantle structural racism, both within Travis County and beyond. By continuing to speak up, engage, and act in the spirit of Dr. King’s work, we keep his legacy alive and illuminate the ongoing path toward equity, inclusion, and lasting progress.
Events and Resources:
- MLK March in Austin
- MLK March in Cedar Park/Leander
- MLK March in Georgetown
- MLK Day Poetry Showcase at The Vortex (Austin)
