The Austin City Council and mayor meet at Austin City Hall.[/caption]AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL
Big decisions made in 2016
Passing the $720 million mobility bond
It was the biggest bond package ever passed by the city of Austin, and according to Mayor Steve Adler, a 60 percent “yes” vote from the citizenry was “an important statement for the community to make. It shows us taking concrete steps to deal with challenges we have in a meaningful way.”
Austin Energy rate case settlement
Although the deal to reduce the base electric rate saw Austin Energy decrease its revenue by $42.5 million, nearly all utility customers, from residents to large businesses, will save on energy costs. Environmental groups also championed the deal, as it ensured the development of solar policies and a plan to close the Fayette County coal-fired power plant.
Increased transparency in local government
Although the city’s campaign finance and lobby laws were already strict, Adler said they are now among the strictest in the country. The council’s reform closed a loophole that allowed for some unregulated super PACs to go unreported. Now the public can obtain an online and searchable database of campaign finance and donor contributions.
Achieved functional zero veteran homelessness
In August, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that Austin had achieved functional zero veteran homelessness. Functional zero does not mean that there will never be homeless veterans in Austin. Rather, it shows the city put together a system that provides housing for homeless veterans within 90 days of being identified. Adler said this achievement gives momentum to the city in tackling more issues with homelessness in the future.
Permitting reform, implementation of expedited permitting program
Adler said when he came into office, the city permitting process was “a broken system” and “took too long and cost too much.” In 2016, the city focused on streamlining the process by allowing for credit card payments and implementing an expedited permitting program, which, according to city staff, will likely officially begin in the spring.
A focus on equity in Austin
In 2016, Adler and City Council made a concerted effort to highlight equity in the city. An equity office was set up; the work of the Spirit of East Austin, a group created to bring transformative development to East Austin, began; and in November, the mayor created the Task Force on Institutional Racism, which is expected to submit a report on its findings by March.
Top issues for 2017
Hiring a city manager
The selection of a search firm for the new city manager is expected at the Jan. 26 council meeting, marking the first major step in hiring a permanent city manager.
Improve affordability through code, economic incentives
In 2017, the city will focus on reaching greater levels of affordability through such initiatives as CodeNEXT, the city’s land development code rewrite; the expedited permitting program; a revision of the city’s economic incentive policy; and the Music and Creative Ecosystem Omnibus Resolution.
Execution of the mobility bond
At the end of 2016, the council authorized the first portion of the $720 million in funds to be released. The city will begin hiring engineers and consultants to draw up the blueprints of the mobility overhaul. The most shovel-ready projects, including the Safe Routes to School program and construction of new and improved sidewalks, will break ground first.
Continue the fight for equity
Adler wants the city to continue its momentum in the fight for equity into 2017. The council will look at the recommendations for development in East Austin and how to prioritize them, and the Task Force on Institutional Racism is expected to return its report and recommendations to council in March, and that will need to be followed by an analysis, planning and action by city government.
Figure out the Austin Police Department’s crime lab situation
The council is expected to hire a consultant to do an analysis of what went wrong at Austin Police Department’s former crime lab. More than 1,000 DNA samples, most of which are in connection with sexual assault cases, remain backlogged.
Strengthen city’s economic base
Adler said there was evidence of a slowing of the city’s economic growth. “We still have one of the strongest economies in the country, but we still have to be mindful of that to preserve the position we have,” Adler said.
A question for Steve Adler, mayor
Other than turnover, what will be the biggest substantial change within City Council?
My hope is that we’ll focus on big things because the times call for us to focus on the major challenges we have, like affordability, like really preserving Austin’s spirit and soul while we grow and expand dramatically. Last year, to a degree, we were acclimating to a new 10-1 system and figuring out how to drive this new car that the citizens purchased for themselves. I think with nine of 11 council members coming back, we have a group that is hitting the ground running.
The Travis County Commissioners Court, from left: (back row) Gerald Daugherty, Judge Sarah Eckhardt, Jeffrey Travillion; (front row) Margaret Gómez, Brigid Shea.[/caption]TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT
Big decisions made in 2016
Mitigation plan
With deadly floods in 2015 and again in 2016, the court engaged experts to further study the flood plain, refine the Land Water and Transportation Plan, and advise on the best ways to prevent future disasters.
Advisory committee
After narrowly losing a bond referendum in 2015, the Commissioners Court established a citizens advisory committee to advise on the pressing need for additional courts today and into the future.
Bus service
The court expanded bus service into Eastern Travis County near Decker Lane. Bus connectivity between Williamson and Travis counties will be enhanced with rapid bus service on MoPac managed lanes in 2017.
Top issues for 2017
Possible bond
The court will move forward with a bond referendum for additional projects in November.
Flood mitigation
The court will seek additional sources to fund buyout of homes and building of infrastructure to move the community out of the path of future floods.
Courthouse
The court continues to pursue partnership with the federal government to reuse the historic Federal Courthouse at West Eighth and Lavaca streets for additional probate court needs.
New leaders: The court is onboarding new talent, including District Attorney Margaret Moore, Sheriff Sally Hernandez and Precinct 1 Commissioner Jeffrey Travillion.
A question for Sarah Eckhardt, judge
What are some of the most important achievements the court accomplished in 2016?
The big goals for 2016 were in community resiliency to natural disaster, courts capacity, transportation and affordability. The court has made real progress in all of these areas in 2016.
