A task force that aims to identify funding priorities for climate projects in Austin had its first meeting Monday, where members introduced themselves and the purpose of the group.
The 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force will consider prospective projects from the public and city of Austin staff for a comprehensive climate bond package that is set to be implemented no later than November 2026. Council member Ryan Alter, who represents District 5, said city staff instructed the task force to look at goals for green infrastructure, flood mitigation and solar power when creating their proposals.
The task force will analyze how projects can reduce the city’s contribution to climate change and adapt to a changing environment, Alter said.
“If we are going to be building a bunch of new sidewalks or a bunch of new roads, are we utilizing low-carbon concrete or making sure that it is transit-friendly so that we are reducing our overall climate footprint?” Alter said.
The City Council approved nominations for members of the task force in late September, said council member Zo Qadri, who represents District 9.
When appointing to the task force, Alter said he looked for climate-aware community members who would promote projects that benefit working families and said those building the projects had a voice in the task force.
“I have proposed looking at what we’re calling a water playground, kind of a step above a splash pad that (allows) for our families to have space to play and enjoy when it’s 100 degrees outside,” Alter said. “Additionally, I wanted to be sure that labor had a seat at the table, and I wanted the people who are going to be doing the building to be represented.”
Qadri said a priority for him is creating sustainable transportation and looking at ways the city can reduce emissions during infrastructure development.
“(I was looking for) people who have good experience, have done the work, who have a proven track record (and) who know the community,” Qadri said.
Qadri nominated David Sullivan, a UT air quality researcher, to serve on the task force. Sullivan, who has served on multiple boards and commissions for the city before, said the city already does a lot to address its climate goals and has done well with bond packages in the past.
“Generally, we’ve done well because people recognize that we need to address flooding, parkland, public safety (and) transportation infrastructure,” Sullivan said. “So there’s a lot of different issues that affect the whole population. Now, we’re (one of the) largest cities in America, so the demands on our aging infrastructure are increasing.”
