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Northeast Action Collective presses council for transparency on ad valorem tax transfer and drainage funding
Summary
Speakers from the Northeast Action Collective and allies pressed the council for an update on the ad valorem drainage tax transfer and urged increased drainage funding to protect neighborhoods that have repeatedly flooded.
Members of the Northeast Action Collective and other residents told the City Council on April 6 they are seeking transparency and action on drainage funding tied to the ad valorem tax that voters approved years earlier.
Cheryl Henderson of the Northeast Action Collective said residents in predominantly Black and Brown neighborhoods have borne the worst infrastructure and flooding impacts and asked the mayor and council for a public update on the ad valorem transfer that funds drainage work. Felix Kapoor said the city had lost an appeal and that drainage spending must increase; he urged the mayor and council to “put their money where their mouth is” and increase the drainage budget this year.
Speakers said they have seen some Public Works activity and site tours but that they fear progress will fade unless the city sustains funding. Councilmembers responded that budget hearings and workshops would provide opportunities to review finances and that the council expects to examine drainage spending during the budget process; staff said they would follow up with the groups for additional briefings.
No budget action was taken at the meeting; speakers asked for a clear accounting of where ad valorem revenue would be applied and for the mayor’s office to communicate more directly with council and community groups.
