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.