Austin to explore 'climate fee' to fund $1.8 billion in climate, environmental projects

AUSTIN (KXAN) — City of Austin chief sustainability officer Zach Baumer estimated the city would need $1.8 billion for its proposed environmental investment plan, according to a city memo Tuesday.

The plan began as a resolution by the city council for the city manager to "solicit community input and prepare options and associated costs of capital improvements or programs that would reduce carbon emissions, decrease water usage, improve water quality and water detention, advance the sustainability of City operations, and improve community resilience.”

Some of these projects came from analyzing preexisting city plans, but others emerged through public input.

A few of the most expensive projects are:

• $1 billion purchase of 20,000 acres for use by the city;
• Over $100 million for an Austin Resource Recovery transfer station and an electric vehicle charging network;
• $100 million for community resilience programs;
• Over $60 million for climate improvements to city facilities; and,
• $50 million to create a "Food Hub."

"Further analysis is necessary to identify the impact on taxes, rates, and fees for Austin residents," the memo reads. "Staff will continue to work with the City Manager’s Office and during the budget process to identify potential funding sources for these projects, including the exploration of a 'Climate Fee' that would create annual dedicated funding for climate and environment projects."

The full memo can be viewed here.