Dear Neighbors,
Please join me this Thursday, August 4th, at 6:30 pm for our District 10 Budget Town Hall. You can join us in person at the Jewish Community Center (7300 Hart Ln.), or you can tune into the livestream on my Facebook page. The City Budget Office will join us to discuss the FY23 Budget process, the City’s spending framework, and the impact of the proposed housing bond. I will share my budget priorities, and there will be time at the end to answer your questions and share your budget priorities and ideas. Read my last newsletter for more details on the budget adoption timeline and links to budget documents.
You do not need to RSVP for either the in-person town hall or the livestream. If you attend in person, please check in with security at the JCC campus entrance–let them know you’re here for the town hall and they’ll help direct you. We also will have white yard signs directing you and a member of our team will be seated at a welcome table when you enter the building.
There are several ways to share your questions and feedback with me. You can raise your hand or fill out a notecard at the town hall, submit a question or comment to us online, or email us at District10@AustinTexas.gov.
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Housing Bond
In late July, five Council Members and a coalition of advocates brought forward a proposal to place an affordable housing bond on the November ballot. When the item was considered on July 28th, I abstained from supporting the item because I was not comfortable moving forward with a ballot measure of this magnitude without first engaging significantly with my constituents. The item was approved in the first of a two-step approval process. Between now and when this item comes back for final consideration by Council (the week of August 17th along with the budget), I invite you to review the proposal (details below), and to share your questions, comments, or concerns as part of our budget engagement. Please know that I chose to abstain from this vote in order to first hear from you at our budget town hall and through other mechanisms, and I welcome and appreciate your thoughtful engagement.
Originally, the Council sponsors proposed a $300 million proposition, which would equate to a $0.0112 increase to the debt service portion of the tax rate and an annual impact to the typical homeowner of $40.14. On the day of the vote, an amendment was made, to increase the bond proposal to a $350 million proposition, which would have an estimated annual impact to the typical homeowner of $46.59. The typical homeowner is currently defined as a home assessed at $448,000 with a taxable value of $358,400 (net of homestead exemption). A homeowner with a higher home value would have a higher annual impact.
For additional details on the implications of this proposal on the debt service portion of the tax rate, you may review this memo which was prepared by our Deputy Chief Financial Officer. You may also read this report on the economic impact of our most recent affordable housing bonds here. Our last affordable housing bond proposition was on the ballot in 2018, and at the end of Fiscal Year 2021-2022 it is anticipated that nearly 90% of the 2018 $250 million affordable housing bond will have been spent or obligated.
I invite you to engage with my office about the proposed affordable housing bond–you can share your questions or comments at the town hall or submit them here. |
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Budget and Housing Bond Office Hours
Please join me for office hours! This is an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback about the FY23 Budget and the proposed housing bond.
Monday, August 8th from 12-1 at Rudy’s BBQ (3914 N Lamar Blvd.) Wednesday, August 10th from 5-6 at Galaxy Cafe (8127 Mesa Dr. #100)
In the remainder of this newsletter, you will find info on some community meetings, Austin ISD job openings, and more.
Regards, |
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Alison Alter Mayor Pro Tem Council Member, District 10 |
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Safety Tips and Updates
Mayor Pro Tem Alter in the Community
Service and Public Input Opportunities Austin Transit Partnership Board Opening Austin Animal Center Needs Our Help Tarrytown Park Community Engagement Event Virtual Meetings with Homeless Strategy Division Donations Needed for Newly Arriving Refugees
Announcements |
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An algae sample from “Barking Springs” (the dog-friendly part of Barton Creek immediately downstream from Barton Springs Pool) contained the neurotoxin Dihydroanatoxin-a, which can be dangerous. Dogs may be exposed by drinking the water, eating the algae or licking it off their fur. Because humans are less likely to ingest the algae, the risk to people is lower.
Earlier this summer, the City of Austin also detected toxins in algae samples at all monitoring locations on Lady Bird Lake, including Red Bud Isle, Auditorium Shores and Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park, and at Emma Long Metropolitan Park on Lake Austin. Keep your dogs away from areas known to have harmful algae blooms, and do not drink or allow your pets to drink from Central Texas lakes or creeks. It’s always a good idea to rinse yourself or your pets off after a swim. |
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Monkeypox is a disease spread by close contact with an infected person or by touching clothing or linens that were in contact with an infected person’s rash or body fluids. Symptoms include fever, malaise and a rash that appears as pimples or blisters. If you have monkeypox symptoms, or believe you were exposed, contact a healthcare provider. Find more info at austintexas.gov/department/monkeypox. |
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Drought Restrictions Continue
The water supply in our Highland Lakes remains below 1.4 million acre-feet, and Drought Stage 1 Regulations are still in effect. These regulations mainly restrict watering and irrigation times. Check this page for updates. |
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On Friday, I joined Austin Fire Department to celebrate 42 new cadet graduates. Congratulations, Class #133! |
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Austin Transit Partnership Board Opening
The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) Board of Directors is seeking a new board member to provide planning and/or sustainability expertise for the implementation of Project Connect.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on August 12th. For more info on the application process and requirements, visit atptx.org/board-vacancy. |
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Austin Animal Center Needs Our Help
Austin Animal Center recently released a video asking the community to help with shelter crowding. If you or someone you know are missing a pet, please check with Austin Animal Center. If you’re able to foster, adopt, or donate, the shelter needs your help. Adoption fees are currently waived. Learn more at austintexas.gov/austin-animal-center. |
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Tarrytown Park Community Engagement Event
Tarrytown Neighborhood Park will have a second on-site Community Engagement Event for the playscape replacement project on Saturday, August 27th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join the meeting at 2106 Tower Drive, 78703 to provide comments and help select new play equipment. Learn more about the project here. |
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Donations Needed for Newly Arriving Refugees
Austin Jews and Partners for Refugees is providing furniture for newly arriving refugees and for refugees who have settled in Austin this past year. They are seeking community help in finding the following items:
2 and 3-person couches (no ottomans, please) Rugs (especially large ones) TVs and stands Irons Sets of dishes, flatware, glassware Pots/pans and kitchen tools Floor lamps Bicycles - adults/kids Dining tables/chairs - all sizes Double strollers and single strollers Infant car seats (not expired or in an accident) Pack-n-Plays High chair
All should be in good condition; sofas and rugs especially should be clean and almost new condition -- and from pet-free homes. AJPR has volunteers who can come in a truck to pick up donations. |
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Become a Crossing Guard
Safe Routes to School is seeking friendly neighborhood crossing guards for schools across Austin! The current rate is $15/hr. They are accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year; apply here. |
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Austin ISD Hiring Substitute Teachers
Austin ISD substitute teacher applications are now open for the 22-23 school year! Learn more about the requirements, pay, and application process here. |
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Tool Library with Recycled Reads
Have you ever needed to use a tool for a specific project without purchasing it? Austin Public Library’s affordable used bookstore, Recycled Reads, is piloting a tool lending library to help the City meet its zero waste goals. Residents will be able to borrow tools, just like we check out books! Contact Recycled Reads for more information. |
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Solar Rebates Available
Did you know that Austin Energy offers rebates for using solar power? You can earn a $2,500 rebate by completing a solar education course and installing a qualifying solar photovoltaic (PV) system. You will also earn a Value of Solar credit on your monthly bill for every kilowatt-hour of electricity your solar PV system generates. Learn more about your rebate options here. |
