Item 2- Draft recommendation regarding the Place Based Enhancement Program — original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20240810-002: Place-Based Enhancement Program WHEREAS, there is urgent need for affordable small business space; and WHEREAS, according to the Economic Development Department, asking rents have increased by 7.7% year over year, a historic high for the market; and WHEREAS, high cost of rent is a critical factor contributing to the financial instability of childcare programs; and WHEREAS, the Place-Based Enhancement Program Proposal includes recommendations to encourage affordable commercial space for community development projects including childcare; and WHEREAS, although a percentage of childcare programs who meet specific standards related to enrollment of children relying on public subsidy and quality qualify for property tax exemption, the majority of programs in Austin do not qualify for the exemption; and WHEREAS, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the prevailing wage for the childcare workforce in Texas is $14.16. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council encourages the Austin City Council to adopt the Placed-Based Enhancement Program recommendations without requiring a living wage standard for all employees. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)