The Austin Chamber of Commerce recently announced that its Board of Directors has endorsed the Travis and Williamson County bond propositions, as well as select State of Texas Constitutional Amendments scheduled for the upcoming November ballot. The Chamber received information on the proposed bonds, and various Chamber committees were briefed on the bonds and constitutional amendments by different organizations.
The proposed constitutional amendments encompass various funding allocations, including support for higher education research, water infrastructure, gas-fueled power plants, broadband infrastructure, maintenance, and state park creation. Additionally, there are provisions concerning tax changes, involving new or improved exemptions for both residential properties and businesses. The bonds in Travis and Williamson counties received support recommendations from the Chamber's Local Government and Regional Mobility Committees, while a selection of constitutional amendments received support from the Chamber's State and Federal Affairs Committee, which was then conveyed to the Chamber board.
Ali Khataw, Chair of the Austin Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, expressed excitement about the investments that will be possible by voting for these bonds. Khataw stated, "The State of Texas took up a wide variety of issues during the 2023 legislative session, and we are sharing our support for a selection of the issues that most closely impact the business community. These bonds and constitutional amendments continue to prepare our region and the state for the future."
The Travis County bond election is split into two measures, totaling approximately $509 million. One measure covers roadway capacity and active transportation with $233 million, while the other addresses parks and open space with $276 million. In Williamson County, the bond election is also divided into two measures, with $884 million in total funding. One measure allocates $825 million for roads, and the other designates $59 million for parks and recreational improvements.
The Austin Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice of the business community in Austin and believes that these bonds and constitutional amendments will contribute to the region's and the state's future development.