Young Chamber recommendations on Props B, C, G

On May 1, 2021 and in the weeks of early voting, Austinites will have the opportunity to vote on eight ballot propositions in a special election called by the Austin City Council.

The Austin Young Chamber encourages all young professionals, and all voters, to learn more about each proposition and cast your ballot in this traditionally low-turnout election that includes multiple City of Austin Charter amendments.

The Austin Young Chamber recommends the following positions and resources in alignment with our Policy Priorities:

 

BALLOT INFORMATION & RECOMMENDATIONS:

View Official Ballot Language here.

• Background: Should this proposition pass, the city’s charter would be amended to require the City of Austin and Austin Firefighters Association, Local 975 to participate in binding arbitration when an agreement cannot be reached through collective bargaining regarding working conditions.

Although a stance was considered, this proposition does not fall within the scope of our Policy Priorities. Austin Young Chamber makes no recommendation.

• Background: Should this proposition pass, it would create a criminal offense and penalty for the following activities:
  • Sitting or lying down on a public sidewalk or sleeping outdoors in and near the Downtown area and the area around the University of Texas campus.
  • Solicitation, defined as requesting money or another thing of value, at specific hours and locations or for solicitation in a public area that is deemed aggressive in manner.
  • Camping in any public area not designated by the Parks and Recreation Department

Austin Young Chamber recommends a NO vote. This proposition is in opposition to the Austin Young Chamber Policy Priorities, specifically in our focus on addressing homelessness through compassionate, equitable and sustainable solutions.

• Background: Should this proposition pass, the city charter would be amended to allow a Director of Police Oversight to be appointed or removed in a manner established by City Council ordinance, with duties that include the responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability as it relates to policing.

Austin Young Chamber recommends a YES vote. Austin’s current Office of Police Oversight exists within the City’s managerial structure with a director appointed by the City Manager. This proposition would change the office to an independent one, overseen by a civilian board; similar to how the City Auditor’s Office is run. This proposition reflects Austin Young Chamber’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Background: Should this proposition pass, the date of the election of City of Austin’s mayor would align with the presidential election year. Currently, the City of Austin mayor is elected during the same election as the Texas governor.

Although a stance was considered, this proposition does not fall within the scope of our Policy Priorities. Austin Young Chamber makes no recommendation.

• Background: Should this proposition pass, the format of voting would change to rank choice voting, as opposed to the current voting format of choosing one candidate per race.

Although a stance was considered, this proposition does not fall within the scope of our Policy Priorities. Austin Young Chamber makes no recommendation.

• Background: Should this proposition pass, the form of our city government would change from ‘council-manager’ to ‘strong mayor-council’. This new form will eliminate the position of professional city manager and designate an elected mayor as the chief administrative and executive officer of the city with veto power over all legislation which includes the budget. The elected mayor would have sole authority to hire and fire most department heads and direct staff. There would be no legal requirement for the mayor to implement Council decisions.

Although a stance was considered, this proposition does not fall within the scope of our Policy Priorities. Austin Young Chamber makes no recommendation.

• Background: Should this proposition pass, the city would create one additional geographic council district which will result in 11 council members elected from single member districts.

Austin Young Chamber recommends a YES vote. This proposition is reflective of Austin Young Chamber’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, as it would increase community access to our elected officials by decreasing the density of each council district, as well as potentially elevating a historically marginalized population of Austin, with minimal overhead during our redistricting process.

• Background: Should this proposition pass, the city charter would be amended to adopt a public campaign finance program, which requires the city clerk to provide up to two $25 vouchers to every registered voter who may contribute them to candidates for city office who meet the program requirements. This program is known as “Democracy Dollars” in other parts of the United States.

Although a stance was considered, this proposition does not fall within the scope of our Policy Priorities. Austin Young Chamber makes no recommendation.

Get Ballot Ready

• League of Women Voters Austin Area
  • Voters Guide
  • Info Session on Props D, E, F, and H
  • Info Session on Props A, B, C, and G
• The Austin Common Election Guides
• Austin Monitor Voter’s Guide

Vote411.org – Find your personal ballot and Voters Guide information for the candidates you consider for your vote.