Travis County Community Listening Session: Voter-Approved Child Care & Out-of-School Time Fund

You can help shape the future of childcare and afterschool and summer programs in Travis County!

 Learn about the new voter approved childcare fund.

 Tell us about your experiences with childcare.

 Share your thoughts about how we can use this fund!

On November 5, 2024, Travis County voters approved a 2.5 cent per $100 valuation tax rate increase. This increase will generate a dedicated revenue fund to expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare, afterschool, and summer programs in the County.

The County is undergoing a transitional phase to expand internal resources and infrastructure necessary to administer this new Voter Approved Child Care and Out of School Time fund. In addition, HHS is organizing opportunities for community input to inform the design and implementation of this fund. Community input is essential to strengthening these systems and ensuring this fund reflects the unique needs of families, children, and caregivers in Travis County.

HHS has three upcoming in-person Community Listening Sessions and one virtual session. These sessions will provide a platform for community members to share their perspectives and experiences about our local childcare and out-of-school time systems. During these sessions, the County will:

• Share updates and tentative timelines;
• Share plans for a future Community Advisory Council; and
• Gather community input to shape the fund’s design and future use

Food and Spanish interpretation will be available at each of our in-person Community Listening Sessions listed below.

When:Tuesday, March 11th from 5:30 – 7:30pm
Where: Del Valle – Travis County Community Center – 3518 FM 973; Del Valle, TX 78617

When: Saturday, March 29th from 10:30am – 12:30pm
Where: Carver Branch Library – 1161 Angelina Street; Austin, TX 78702

When:  Saturday, April 12th from 10:00am – 12:00pm
Where: Manor – Travis County Community Center – 600 W. Carrie Manor St; Austin, TX 78653

RSVP here for one of the in-person community input sessions.

** RSVP is not necessary for you to attend; it simply allows us to plan to have enough food for everyone attending.

HHS will also host a virtual Community Listening session for community members that are unable to attend in-person. Spanish interpretation will be offered during this virtual session.

When: Tuesday, April 8th from 6:00 – 7:30pm
Where: Online Virtual Session
Register here for the online zoom session

We strongly encourage community members to attend and share their thoughts to help ensure the success of this important initiative.

For additional information please email ChildcareandOST@traviscountytx.gov.