The Austin City Council could take the first step toward another bond package aimed at affordable housing today. The proposal from council members Sheryl Cole, Bill Spelman and Chris Riley tells city staff to start preparing for a bond election, although it does not specify a dollar amount.
In November, Austin voters approved six bond proposals but voted down a nearly $80 million bond aimed at affordable housing. At a council meeting this week, Mayor Lee Leffingwell wondered whether voters had the appetite for another bond election so soon.
“I think there’s a real good chance of bond fatigue here, with all the bond elections that we’ve had in the last few years and the other jurisdictions as well,” Leffingwell said.
Supporters point to an urgent demand for affordable housing in Austin, saying funding is needed now. It’s not clear exactly when any new bond would go to voters.
