Work begins immediately on districtwide improvement projects after voters approve Austin Community College District's (ACC) $770 million general obligation bond. According to election results, approximately 70% of ACC District voters approved the bond package. The package funds new campuses in southwest and southeast Travis County, expansions to support growth in high-demand programs and ensure access to these programs in all regions of the district, and more space to support student services such as child care and healthcare.

“We broke up how we’re allocating the funds across the north, south, and central regions,” says ACC Chancellor Dr. Richard Rhodes. “When you take a look at where our community is growing, it becomes clear that we need to grow our key workforce programs like advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, and nursing to ensure there’s a presence in every region. Improving access means we can help more people gain the social mobility they need to thrive.”

“I want to thank all the people who made this happen —  the trustees, the people who supported us in the community, and the voters,” says Dr. Nan McRaven, ACC Board of Trustees Chair. “The voters have said ACC is a good partner, and you deserve our support. Through this bond, ACC is going to help train the workforce of today and the future.”

ACC is the largest trainer of the Central Texas workforce, serving approximately 70,000 students each year. Nearly 80% of ACC graduates live and work in the Austin area. On average, ACC graduates increase their income by 45% within five years of graduation. 

“People believe in Austin Community College because faculty, staff, and administration are all relying on this mission of bettering our community through higher education and workforce development education,” says John-Michael Cortez, Campaign Chairman. “Anyone we talk to has a great personal story about ACC. Either they went there themselves or their kid went to Early College High School or they have a chronic disease and their nurse or home healthcare worker or the technician that they work with went to ACC.”

To follow the progress of the 2022 bond, visit austincc.edu/2022bond. Updates will be shared here as projects move forward. The college expects to move forward quickly in the weeks and months ahead to issue Requests for Proposals to identify construction and architect teams for the bond projects.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Voters in the November 8 election also elected three ACC Board of Trustees. Place 6 –– the only contested race –– will be filled by Steve Jackobs, who beat Nathaniel Hellman. Incumbent Trustees, Sean Hassan and Dr. Manuel (Manny) Gonzalez, have been reelected to their seats in Places 4 and 5.

Place 4 Board Member Sean Hasan: “I am honored to serve another term on the ACC Board. I am excited about the significant additional investments we will be making to expand programs in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, technology, and construction trades, among others, that enable our residents to earn strong incomes, filling high-need jobs in Central Texas. I'm also proud of the work we have done over the past term to support students both inside and outside of the classroom and look forward to strengthening those supports, mindful that they translate into higher graduation rates.”

Place 5 Board Member Dr. Manny Gonzalez: “I am incredibly honored to serve another term on the ACC Board of Trustees. I firmly believe that education is the key to economic prosperity and social mobility, and that ACC is best positioned to provide accessible and affordable pathways toward an individual’s academic aspiration. I take great pride in being a part of an institution that recognizes the complex needs of community and an institution that is fully committed to helping all individuals reach their full potential.”

Place 6 Board Member, Steve Jackobs: “I am thrilled to join ACC’s Board of Trustees. As Executive Director of Capital IDEA for 23 years, I witnessed firsthand the many ways ACC makes a profound difference for students and their families. With the passage of the bond, it will do even more. I am excited to celebrate the College’s 50th anniversary next year, and to help shape its next 50 years.”

ACC Trustees serve staggered six-year terms and are elected at-large by registered voters who live within the ACC District, which includes the City of Austin as well as the Austin, Leander, Manor, Del Valle, Round Rock, Elgin, and Hays school districts. 

Comprehensive election results are available on the ACC Elections website.