2018 Bond Task Force Public Input

The Austin City Council on June 28, 2018, heard public testimony and ultimately voted to move forward a bond package to go to voters Nov. 6, 2018. The Council is expected to vote on final language for the bond package in August.

The proposed 2018 bond is for $925 million, which would be divided as follows:

• $250 million for affordable housing;
• $38 million for public safety;
• $16 million for health and human services
• $184 million for flood mitigation and open space
• $128 million for libraries and cultural centers
• $149 million for parks and recreation; and
• $160 million for transportation infrastructure.

The Council specifically directed City staff and the Bond Election Advisory Task Force to focus on funding efforts to address flooding, affordable housing, mobility, high-capacity transit, parks, libraries, and existing infrastructure. City departments identified more than $3 billion in needs during the next five years. From that list, City staff developed a $640 million bond package to serve as a starting point for the Task Force to consider.

The Task Force sought public input in 2017 to inform the development of its recommendations to Council. The Task Force formally presented its final recommendation to the Council on April 10, 2018.