In October 2011, City Council passed resolution 20111006-057, which began a yearlong initiative to develop general obligation bond propositions for citizens to vote on in November 2012. The City’s goal was to develop propositions that reflected the public’s priorities and would support needed rehabilitation of the City’s existing infrastructure and facilities while also making investments in new initiatives outlined in Imagine Austin.

Bond Development Timeline

 

 

Bond Election Advisory Task Force

In October 2011, City Council authorized the creation of a citizen Bond Election Advisory Task Force to identify and prioritize bond funding for projects that would advance the vision identified by the Imagine Austin planning process. The Task Force was composed of two appointees by each of the seven City Council members and one appointee from the Planning Commission. Download the Task Force’s bylaws here.

The Task Force held 15 regular meetings, 24 committee meetings and hosted two public forums – all of which provided citizens the opportunity to speak directly with Task Force members.

Appointer Appointee(s)
Lee Leffingwell, Mayor Jennifer Kim, Terry Mitchell
Chris Riley, Council Member Jeb Boyt, Jennifer McPhail
Mike Martinez, Council Member Frank Fernandez, Celia Israel
Kathie Tovo, Council Member Leslie Pool, Heather Way
Laura Morrison, Council Member Linda Guerrero, Tom Spencer
Bill Spelman, Council Member Don Baylor, Jr., Craig Enoch
Sheryl Cole, Mayor Pro Tem Rodney Ahart, Griffin Davis
Planning Commission Alfonso Hernandez


Needs Assessment Project and Program Report

The Needs Assessment Project and Program Report was the result of the process City of Austin staff conducted to apply the Guiding Principles approved by Council to the Capital Needs Assessment projects.

Community Engagement

City staff launched an extensive public engagement campaign and collaborated with the Task Force to ensure public opinion was appropriately infused in the Bond Election Advisory Task Force’s recommendation to City Council. This campaign took on a variety of avenues in an effort to achieve the greatest inclusivity of citizens and diversity in commentary.

Download the Summary of Community Engagement for the Bond Development Process.

Bond Package Recommendations to City Council

Staff presented the recommendations for alternatives for a bond election at the June 26, 2012 City Council Work Session.