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Travis County commissioners delayed a vote on a multimillion-dollar economic incentives deal with Tesla and gave no indication on when a decision may occur.
The electric carmaker has proposed a $1.1 billion "Gigafactory" in Southeast Austin and, in exchange, is seeking property tax breaks from Travis County over a 20-year period and Del Valle ISD over a 10-year period.
Judge Sam Biscoe said last week that a vote might take place Tuesday, but after discussing it privately with county attorneys in executive session decided to push off the decision.
Tesla looks to fast-track approval of an Austin 'Gigafactory'www.youtube.com
Public comment from both sides
Commissioners did hear public comment Tuesday from Travis County residents who are decidedly mixed on the deal.
Those who support it said it will bring good-paying jobs that are needed in light of the pandemic and will spur further development around the proposed factory site.
"This is not just good news, it's great news, when good news is hard to find," Austin Chamber President and CEO Laura Huffman told commissioners. "These are the jobs we often ask for but sometimes find hard to get."
Others oppose the proposal—or at least believe it could be improved.
Juan Belman, who grew up in South Austin, said past economic incentive deals have hurt communities more than helped them.
"I remember before Oracle came to town there used to be a vibrant Latinx community [in Riverside] until they were displaced by Oracle," he said.
Belman is against the deal, which he said will drive resources away from pandemic recovery efforts.
"Our community needs services from its government now more than ever," he said, "and we cannot justify providing incentives to a multibillion-dollar corporation while people are without food on the table."
- Tesla may get $60 million in tax breaks to bring factory to Austin ... ›
- Tesla to Travis County: Austin is at the top of our list, but we need a ›
- Elon Musk seeks to fast-track $1.1 billion Tesla factory in Austin ... ›
- Elon Musk supports Kanye West running for president in 2020 - austonia ›
- What Tulsa offers Elon Musk for Tesla's next 'Gigafactory' - austonia ›
- Travis County will vote on tax incentive deal for Tesla - austonia ›
- Travis County to vote on tax incentives deal for $1.1 billion Tesla factory - austonia ›
Popular
Tito's Handmade Vodka
Show your love for Tito's and for the community this year with a wide selection of not that ugly, uglyish, ugly, uglier, and ugliest holiday sweaters.
There's lots choose from, and plenty of accessories like scarves and socks, plus gear for your dog, too.
All of the items can be purchased online or at the Love, Tito’s Retail Store in Austin, TX. 100% of all net proceeds from online or in-store purchases go to one of the nonprofits we’ve teamed up with.
Click here to see the entire collection in the Tito's store.
🗓 All weekend
Check out this highly anticipated art exhibition with illuminated art along Waller Creek. Tickets are free and the event includes food vendors, dazzling lights, live music, and hands-on activities
All weekend 6 p.m - 10 p.m | 📍Waterloo Park
This iconic holiday tradition lights up for the first time this holiday season starting this weekend! Reserve your spot for an enchanting light and sound performance, delicious hot cocoa, sweet treats, and some overall fun with your friends or family. The show runs till January 6th.
6 p.m and 9 p.m | 📍Mozart's Coffee Roasters - 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
🗓 Saturday
This fitness event is free and open to the public. Get your morning started right with a "Fitness in the park" class for kickboxing! The class will be led by certified instructors and is a great way to get a cardio workout in while also honing your self-defense skills.
10 a.m - 11 a.m | 📍 Metz Park
Support local LBGTQ+ and female artists at this outdoor market with over 150 vendors. Get your holiday shopping out of the way at this event, with vendors for food trucks, handmade goods, raffles, hands on workshops and activities, and more.
Did someone say cheese?! If you're like me and always willing to get your hands on a bowl of mac and cheese, then this event is for you. Check out the Mac and Cheese festival happening this weekend to decide which vendor has. the best mac and cheese for yourself, and enjoy the bar with creative cocktails while you're at it. Tickets start at $45.
11 a.m - 3 p.m | 📍Lantana Place - 7415 Southwest Parkway
