SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION MAY 7, 2016

WHEREAS the mission of the Austin Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous regional economy; and,

WHEREAS technological innovation is a hallmark of the Austin region’s economy, a reputation that must be proactively and collaboratively cultivated by City and Business leaders while addressing the needs of taxpayers and diverse industry sectors; and

WHEREAS regulation and oversight of private enterprise is a necessary function of government, an effort that must be balanced with the need to support a vibrant economy; and

WHEREAS recent Austin City Council actions related to oversight of Transportation Network Companies, some of which may be seen as burdensome overregulation, acts as a disincentive to investment that will negatively affect Austin’s reputation as an incubator of creative and entrepreneurial talent; and

WHEREAS Transportation Network Companies successfully operated under guidelines set forth under Ordinance No. 20141016-038 from October 2014 to February 2016, rules that provide a framework for best practices; and

WHEREAS additional regulations promulgated by Ordinance No. 20151217-075 that mandate, inter alia, fingerprint-based background checks do not substantially protect the health, safety, or general welfare of the people of Austin beyond those offered by Ordinance No. 20141016-038; and

WHEREAS Transportation Network Companies provide a valuable public service by reducing the number of intoxicated drivers on our city’s streets; and

WHEREAS Transportation Network Companies create economic opportunity by giving private citizens the tools to access a stable source of income; and

WHEREAS Transportation Network Companies expand mobility options, complement our region’s high capacity transit network, and provide a reliable alternative to the single occupant vehicle; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Chamber of Commerce supports the Proposition 1 referendum to enact common sense TNC regulations on the May 7, 2016 ballot.

THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Austin Chamber of Commerce supports a consistent regulatory environment across the entire ride-for-hire industry, including taxi and livery service providers, by requiring uniform standards for driver background checks.

ADOPTED THIS 28TH DAY OF APRIL, 2016 BY THE AUSTIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.