Council members Delia Garza and Greg Casar, along with Mayor Steve Adler, are campaigning in support of Proposition E, which will be before voters in the election this November. The press release announcing the “Sí to E” campaign states that the proposition “would provide funding for the design, construction, and equipping of a new 21,000 square foot multi-purpose neighborhood facility that would include a full neighborhood services center, WIC office, an immunization clinic, and a childcare center. This facility would have sufficient space for 18 Austin Public Health employees, as well as an event space for non-profit partner agencies.” The release states that this facility is greatly needed in the Dove Springs area where it would be located, which has seen flood damage and limited public health services. An American Community Survey found, according to the release, that “of all the people who live in 78744, 26.4% are below the poverty level, or 12,408 people. 75% are Hispanic or Latino, and of those who are not Hispanic or Latino, 16% are White … 7% are African-American and 2% are of other races. 31% of the population is under the age of 18.” The release also references a 2017 Critical Health Indicators Report published by the Austin Health Department that found East Austinites have a shorter life span than West Austinites. Precinct 4 Constable George Morales expressed his full support for the proposition in the release. “As a life long resident of Dove Springs, I can tell you that this facility is well overdue and will provide much needed community resources and a safety net for our families that are struggling to stay in Austin.”
This whisper has been updated.