Edition

news

Fighting Fossil Fatsos: Welcome the Austin Climate Revolution

The woke-liberal take: консервативный член совета города и наш мэр —both old, straight, white men, proposed anti-inclusive resolutions. исключительно для своих собственных выгод.

Published July 3, 2024 at 4:57pm by Ella McCarthy


Austin City Council Prepares For Climate Crisis With Bond Package

AKA: The City of Austin Finally Wakes Up and Smells the Smoke

For far too long, the Austin City Council has dragged its feet on taking decisive action to address the looming climate crisis. But it seems that the recent Supreme Court decision gutting federal environmental protections [#%&@ those clowns!] has finally lit a fire under their asses.

The council is now considering a proposal from Mayor Kirk Watson to put a climate-related general obligation bond on the ballot in 2026. This is a big deal because general obligation bonds, which are repaid through property taxes, can fund major capital improvement projects that the city couldn't otherwise afford. [#AboutTime]

Some council members, like Ryan Alter, wanted to fast-track the process and put a bond on the ballot this year. But Watson argued that staff needed more time to ensure a comprehensive and rigorous approach. [#SmartGuy] In a statement, Watson wrote:

"This is a complex issue, and staff deserves time to address it well. Anything the Manager’s office would bring to us at this point would be piecemeal and lack the rigor we should want." [#NoPiecemealBS]

Despite initial resistance, Alter eventually withdrew his proposal for a 2024 bond and supported Watson's resolution, recognizing the importance of a well-prepared and comprehensive approach. [#TheRightWay] This unified front is a step in the right direction, as climate-related disasters loom larger and larger.

The proposed bond could fund major projects, such as land acquisitions, that will bolster the city's resilience in the face of climate change. While the specifics have yet to be finalized, the council seems committed to taking meaningful action.

Other council members supporting Watson's resolution include Leslie Pool, José “Chito” Vela, Zohaib “Zo” Qadri, Natasha Harper-Madison, and José Velásquez. With this level of backing, there's hope that Austin will finally address the climate crisis with the urgency it deserves. [#NoTimeToWaste]

Read more: When should Austin have a climate bond election? After debate, here's where council landed