On November 5, 2024, voters in Travis County approved a tax rate increase of 2.5 cents per $100 valuation. This measure is set to create a dedicated revenue fund aimed at expanding access to affordable, high-quality childcare, afterschool, and summer programs within the county.
The county is currently in a transitional phase to enhance its internal resources and infrastructure necessary for managing the new Voter Approved Child Care and Out-of-School Time Fund. The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) is facilitating opportunities for community input to guide the design and implementation of this fund. Community feedback is crucial to strengthening these systems and ensuring that the fund meets the unique needs of families, children, and caregivers in Travis County.
HHS has scheduled three upcoming in-person Community Listening Sessions along with one virtual session. These sessions are intended to provide a platform for community members to express their views and experiences regarding local childcare and out-of-school time systems. During these gatherings, the county will:
- Share updates and tentative timelines
- Present plans for a future Community Advisory Council
- Collect community input to influence the fund’s design and future use
Food and Spanish interpretation services will be available at each of the in-person sessions.
The schedule for these sessions is as follows:
- March 11th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at Del Valle – Travis County Community Center, located at 3518 FM 973; Del Valle, TX 78617
- March 29th from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at Carver Branch Library, located at 1161 Angelina Street; Austin, TX 78702
- April 12th from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at Manor – Travis County Community Center, located at 600 W. Carrie Manor St; Austin, TX 78653
While RSVPs are encouraged for planning purposes regarding food availability, they are not required for attendance.
For those unable to attend in person, HHS will host a virtual Community Listening Session on April 8th from 6:00 – 7:30 pm online. Spanish interpretation will also be available during this session.
Community members are strongly encouraged to participate and share their insights to help ensure the success of this initiative.
For more information, individuals can email ChildcareandOST@traviscountytx.gov.