Travis County Commissioners Court unanimously approves $21M contracts to expand childcare scholarships and support providers
The Court also approved the program’s community advisory committee and revealed new program branding - Raising Travis County
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 – The Travis County Commissioners Court approved new investments in Raising Travis County, the county’s program to expand childcare access and improve affordability for working families.
The Commissioners Court unanimously approved $21 million in contracts with Workforce Solutions Capital Area to create childcare scholarships for an estimated 1,000 children and to provide gap funding for providers. They were also joined by community leaders, childcare and out-of-school time providers, and program supporters to unveil the new program branding and announce the members of the community advisory committee.
Additional announcements are forthcoming before the end of the year as the county continues to roll out this innovative program—the first of its kind in Texas.
“Today, Raising Travis County takes a huge step forward for children in our community. Every dollar we invest in childcare today will lead to better outcomes and brighter futures for kids tomorrow,” said Travis County Judge Andy Brown. “Our partnership with Workforce Solutions will expand access to childcare scholarships, critical for lowering costs and reducing the monthslong waitlist for care. This investment helps offset the true costs of care not fully covered by the scholarships, which right now our dedicated childcare providers are forced to absorb.”
“As the son of a teacher, I’ve always believed that the way we treat, train, and prepare our youth will define who we are. Amid chaos at the state and federal government, Raising Travis County is what can happen when local communities come together to find local solutions to problems,” said Travis County Commissioner for Precinct One, Jeff Travillion. “Today, we’re standing together and demanding the best for all of our children in this community.”
“Workforce Solutions Capital Area focuses on building pathways to economic mobility for Central Texas families. That means addressing the major barrier keeping parents, but especially women, out of the workforce: unaffordable, inaccessible childcare,” said Yael Lawson, Interim Chief Executive Officer at Workforce Solutions Capital Area. “Today, the commissioners invested in the long-term economic resilience of our community and helped 1,000 more families say yes to work or school without worrying about who is watching their kids. When parents can work and kids get the strong start they deserve, we all win.”
“Each day, hundreds of childcare providers open our doors and welcome children into a space that is safe, enriching, and fun. We do this work because we are deeply committed to the kids and their families, and we want to watch them grow and thrive,” said Tamitha Blackmon, owner of Nehemiah Christian School, a local childcare center. “We’re grateful that families have scholarships to alleviate costs, but too often the actual cost of care outpaces those scholarships, leaving providers on the line for the balance. The funding approved this morning will help close the gap and make sure those of us in the childcare community can continue doing what we love for years to come.”
“Raising Travis County is about more than just childcare—it’s about transforming Travis County,” said Dr. Libby Doggett, early learning expert. “We’re raising childcare quality by investing in our teachers and providers. We’re raising wages for the people who care for our children. And we’re catalyzing stability and growth across our county with this smart investment in the community’s future.”
Travis County Commissioners Court signals commitment to $24M in childcare funds, approves contracts for after school and summer care
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 – The Travis County Commissioners Court advanced implementation of the Travis County Child Care and Out of School Time Fund, the county’s voter-approved program to expand childcare access and affordability for working families.
The Commissioners Court unanimously approved a letter of intent signaling commitment to funding a $24 million contract with Workforce Solutions Capital Area to expand childcare scholarships and provide gap funding for providers serving existing scholarship recipients. The Commissioners Court also unanimously approved three contracts totaling $4.85 million with Austin ISD, Del Valle ISD, and Manor ISD. At a press conference yesterday, the school district representatives spoke on their plans to use the funding for pre-kindergarten, child care, and after school programs. These funds will ensure more than 2,000 Central Texas children will receive quality after school care through our local school districts.
Together, these actions kick off a series of childcare announcements that County Judge Andy Brown and the Commissioners Court are excited to share in the coming months as implementation of the childcare initiative continues.
“I’m so proud of this community for standing with working families and making this thoughtful investment in our children,” said Travis County Judge Andy Brown at yesterday’s press conference. “These dollars will unlock hundreds of additional childcare scholarships and reduce months-long waitlists for Travis County families.”
“I’m a teacher’s kid,” said Commissioner Jeff Travillion, Precinct One. “Both my parents were teachers. It’s important that we, as a local community, invest where our kids live and where we hope they’ll have an opportunity to work.”
“We will mark this time in history as the turning point for 9,000 Travis County families who couldn’t afford childcare for their kids. These investments are improving the future for our children. It is a huge thing for us to mark and celebrate today,” said Commissioner Brigid Shea, Precinct Two. “We want to make a huge acknowledgement to the voters who had the vision to support this.”
“I’m thoroughly excited that we’re moving at this pace,” said Commissioner Ann Howard, Precinct Three. “This investment is significant to both organizations and our communities. School has just started, and getting this money into the community will just get easier. I look forward to strong outcomes for the children.”
“Thank you to voters for approving this money,” said Commissioner Margaret Gómez, Precinct Four. “Travis County wants to invest in children. It’s easy for folks to say they support children, but the action doesn’t always come through. In this case, the voters did, and we’ll soon start to see those better outcomes.”
