2026 Bond Initial Draft Project Recommendation memo dated January 21, 2026.

Summary

This memo presents the initial draft recommendation for the 2026 General Obligation (GO) Bond Program, totaling $700 million. The program aims to address Austin's critical infrastructure needs through a six-year cycle, focusing on project readiness, operating budget impact, service delivery enhancement, private investment pathways, and economic development.

Key priorities identified through public surveys and task force sessions include Transportation, Housing and Homelessness, and Parks and Parkland. The draft recommendation refines an initial $3.9 billion needs assessment into a more focused list.

Proposed Allocation Breakdown:

• Transportation: $251 million (35.9%)
• Watershed Protection: $160 million (22.9%)
• Parks and Open Space: $140 million (20.0%)
• Public Health and Safety: $129 million (18.4%)
• Community Facilities: $20 million (2.9%)

Public engagement activities, including open houses and surveys, are scheduled for February 2026 to gather further community input before final recommendations are made to the City Council in May 2026, with a potential bond election in November 2026.

Citizen Impact

Residents will have opportunities to provide input on how a $700 million bond package will be allocated to critical infrastructure projects like transportation, housing, parks, and public safety. The final bond package, if approved by voters in November 2026, will fund these improvements and may result in a tax increase, with a median willingness to pay of $10/month noted in surveys.

Confidence

high