Austin's local government officials should play board games. Many of our most pressing local public policy problems would benefit from overhauls in strategy, as well as creativity in how we manage risk. Playing board games can help by strengthening the following five problem-solving habits:
1. 'Victory Points'
Board games provide …
[MORE]A City of Austin 20% homestead exemption is a tax shift policy that is likely to get a lot of attention from the incoming City Council. Here's what you need to know.
1. What is it exactly?
The 20% homestead exemption (HEx) reduces the assessed value of one's primary residence …
[MORE]This FAQ provides a pro-transit, anti-Proposition 1 perspective. Here's the extended version of this FAQ.
What are we voting on?
$600 million for East Riverside-to-Highland light rail that requires another $325.5 million in City of Austin debt for highway enhancements, $30 million for a regional transit center, and $44 …
[MORE]Why would a pragmatic progressive that wants to move Austin away from car-dependence oppose an investment in light rail? In brief, because the details of this proposal mean more sprawl and lower transit system ridership. Here is the pro-transit, anti-Proposition 1 perspective to Frequently Asked Questions about this November's bond …
[MORE]Proposition 1 rail has much higher operating costs than bus-based alternatives, yet it will achieve essentially the same ridership as bus service. This is due to the selection of a route with ridership potential too low to take advantage of rail's economies of scale. As a result, serving East Riverside-Highland …
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