Help SOS Stop the $2.2 Billion Dog's Head Tax Subsidy

Travis County is being asked to commit $649 million in County property-tax incentives toward the proposed Dog’s Head TIRZ, part of a public subsidy package exceeding $2.2 billion for a private development agreement negotiated behind closed doors and rushed through City of Austin approval.
The current agreement locks in extraordinary development rights for 45 years across roughly 2,614 acres of Colorado River frontage, while weakening basic protections for nearby residents, water quality, and floodplains. And it abandons the long-standing Colorado River Corridor Plan’s vision for environmental restoration along one of the most ecologically diverse stretches of urban river. Check out this article in the Austin Chronicle about the environmental community’s response to this disastrous decision by the Austin City Council. 
Please attend the Wednesday County meeting (700 Lavaca Street, 1st Floor, Austin, TX 78701) and urge Travis County officials to reject any County participation in the Dog’s Head TIRZ, tax abatement, or other incentive unless the current Development Agreement is withdrawn and replaced through a transparent public process.
You can sign up to speak on Item 20, here: https://www.traviscountytx.gov/commissioners-court. Registration is open until 8am on Wednesday. We anticipate the item will be heard in the afternoon but cannot guarantee timing.

TAKE ACTION NOW

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The wait is over! Barton Springs Pool reopened today, and we hope you have a chance for a refreshing dip in one of Austin's greatest treasures this week. 
The recent rains have been a welcome drench after years of drought. According to Austin Watershed Protection Conservation Program Supervisor Nathan Bendik, this was the first flood-related pool drawdown since October 2021. It's a remarkable reminder of just how dry Central Texas has been and how important every soaking rain is for our creeks, springs, and aquifer.
Enjoy the cool, clear water this week, and as always, thank you for helping us protect the springs we all need to stay cool in these unbearable Texas summers.
Happy swimming!
 SOS Alliance