6 chapters across the catalog
Russian Debt Default, Austin Property Tax Hikes
Russia faces a potential political default on its debt as sanctions prevent payments in U.S. dollars. Domestically, homeowners in Austin, Texas, report property tax valuations increasing by an average of 56%. The hosts discuss how California's Proposition 13 protects long-term residents from similar tax spikes.
Austin Parking Technology, Prop B Camping Ban
Austin voters passed Proposition B with 59% of the vote, reinstating a ban on public camping that will take effect in mid-May. The discussion also touched on the evolution of parking technology in the city, moving from simple dollar-slot metal boxes to digital machines that sometimes force a flat $20 fee for 10 hours. Critics expect the enforcement of the camping ban to become a major local media spectacle involving police and displaced individuals.
The hosts discuss the irony of "Vote No on Prop B" signs placed directly in front of sprawling homeless encampments in Austin. Prop B is a local ballot measure aimed at reinstating a ban on public camping.
Brazil COVID-19 Crisis, Favelas and Austin Homeless Camps
CBS News reported on a "dire" situation in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where hospitals are reportedly overrun by a deadly COVID-19 variant. The report highlighted the economic toll on residents of favelas, or shanty towns. This prompted a comparison to the growing homeless encampments in Austin, Texas, where political battles over "Prop B" and the management of these "modern favelas" are currently unfolding.
A series of fires at homeless encampments in Austin, including one that damaged the historic Buford Fire Tower, has intensified the debate over "Prop B." The upcoming ballot measure seeks to reinstate a ban on public camping that was lifted by the city council two years ago.
Austin voters rejected Proposition 1, leading Uber and Lyft to suspend operations within city limits due to mandatory fingerprint background checks. The discussion posits that the conflict is actually centered on ride-sharing companies' refusal to share granular passenger data with the City of Austin. Comparisons are made to data mining practices at American Express and the high valuation of user data over transportation revenue.
