We asked you to vote and the results are in!
Austin Props 12-18
Over 230,000 people voted on Austin’s 18 bonds that were on the ballot. Propositions 12-18, promoted by the non-profit LoveATX and supported by BikeTexas, passed overwhelmingly with the exception of Proposition 15. This proposition for more affordable housing lost by less than 7,000 votes. Proposition 15 would have funded critically needed home and safety repairs for seniors, built rental housing with support services to help homeless families and individuals get back on their feet, and created homes for low income families so children can succeed in school and life. Many who followed the election closely are baffled as to how only this proposition was defeated.
Proposition 12, the transportation bond will fund $143.3 million improvements for construction and design of sidewalks, bridges, and roads to help ease traffic. These improvements include Interstate 35, MoPac, and North Lamar Boulevard. The bond will also fund new traffic signals and pedestrian beacons to improve safety, and will help pay for a portion of the Violet Crown Trail, a 30-mile hike-and-bike trail from Zilker Park to Hays County.
The other quality of life bonds included in Props 12-18 pertain to watershed protection, parks and recreation, public safety, health and human services, and library, museum and cultural arts facilities.
Corpus Christi Prop 1
Corpus Christi’s Prop 1 passed overwhelmingly. The road measure won with the greatest margin of all the propositions — 73.8 percent to 26.1 percent — underscoring a theme hammered during city council and mayoral campaigns: Voters are fed up with ugly, crumbling, suspension-pounding roads.
“Roads are symbolic about the way Corpus Christi feels about itself sometimes,” said Joshua Ozymy, associate professor of political science at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
One project is a narrow stretch of McArdle Road where a woman was killed earlier this year. It will be widened and have sidewalks, a bike lane, curbs and gutters added.
Houston Proposition B
The City of Houston passed Proposition B: The issuance of $166 million in park improvement bonds for the conservation, improvement, acquisition, construction and equipment of neighborhood parks, recreational facilities, and bayous to create an integrated system of walking, running, and bicycle trails.
This proposition passed with over 60% of Houstonians supporting the bonds. The non-profit group Parks By You worked hard in the months leading up to the election to rally volunteers, gather supporters for the proposition, and educate the public about the benefits of green spaces in Houston.
Many thanks to all Texans who voted on November 6. Your vote makes a difference! Be sure to stay up with BikeTexas Action Alerts and emails as the legislative session gets underway on January 8. We have a lot of work still to do to make Texas a great place to walk and bike!
