Mayor calls for bold investment in education and workforce

In a recent city council meeting, Doug Greco, a candidate for mayor, urged the council to reconsider its budget priorities, emphasizing the need for substantial investment in education and workforce initiatives. Greco proposed allocating $40 million towards these areas, suggesting that funding could be sourced from existing budget reserves, the elimination of preferential utility rates for large industrial customers, and potentially discussing a tax rate election (TRE).

Greco criticized the council for its current approach, which he described as \"short term thinking,\" highlighting the underutilization of nearly $2 billion in voter-approved bond funding. He argued that this funding could significantly enhance the quality of life in the city through investments in affordable housing, parks, and libraries, while also serving as an economic stimulus.

He expressed concern over the council's decision to allocate only $11 million to essential programs, which he believes require five times that amount. Greco pointed out that while neighboring jurisdictions like Travis County and the Austin Independent School District (AISD) have proposed bold initiatives to increase funding for education and childcare, the city has been reactive and has prematurely shut down discussions on critical funding measures.

Greco concluded his remarks by calling for a more ambitious budget that aligns with the voters' priorities, urging current and future officeholders to support the funding measures proposed by AISD and Travis County. The meeting then transitioned to in-person speakers, with Betsy Greenberg advocating for a budget plan that does not increase taxes.