Leaders celebrated the 3-1 passage of a living wage proposal by the City of Austin’s special committee on economic incentives.  In partnership with member institutions Workers Defense Project and the Laborers International Union of North America, ”one-hundred construction workers and their allies were at city hall for the meeting, marching for something they’ve asked for time and again—a living wage….Austin Interfaith’s Jim O’Quinn says that’s why [Austin Interfaith] backs a push for standards companies must meet before they can get tax breaks from the city.”  The measure, which will come before the city council in upcoming months, needs four votes to pass.

[Photo Credit: Jay Janner, Austin American Statesman]

Living Wage at Heart of Overhaul to City Incentive Program, YNN Austin

Travis County to Require $11 Hourly Wage for All Incentive Deals; Austin Weighs Similar Requirement, Austin American Statesman

“Travis Heights is looking to partner with Education Austin and Austin Interfaith to start an in-district charter model allowing the school to have more autonomy. The school would focus on curriculum with its dual-language program, service learning model and a piloted blended learning program that incorporates digital media, Carstarphen said.  “They’re not asking for more money; they’re asking for more flexibility….”

AISD Board Discusses Potential Academic, Facilities Recommendations, Community Impact Newspaper

New In-District Charter Would Need Teacher, Community OK, Austin American Statesman

When the owner of a local liquor store petitioned to be allowed to sell alcohol 50 feet near Reagan High School, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Austin Interfaith leader Oralia Garza de Cortes responded quickly.  Within days she contacted members of her congregation and Northeast Austin neighborhood associations to inform them of the proposed variance and mobilized local troops to fight the proposal.  In coordination with eight neighborhood associations of Northeast Austin, grandmothers, teachers, pastors and other concerned citizens quickly rallied and succeeded in getting the proposal pulled before Thursday’s vote. 

Follow the Props and the Money, Austin Chronicle

Protesters Stop Beer Sales Near Reagan High, YNN News

Group Protests Sales of Alcohol at Store Near Reagan High School, FOX News

Neighborhood Protests Sale of Alcohol Near Reagan High, KVUE News