Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to develop a potential bond package and related ordinances calling for a November 2026 bond election and posting these items for Council consideration and action on the July 23, 2026, council meeting agenda; and report back to Council on additional information and recommendations on other possible projects and funding mechanisms.

Council is asking the City Manager to start putting together a potential bond package and the related ordinances that would call for a November 2026 bond election, with those items teed up for Council to consider on the July 23, 2026 agenda. Bonds are how Austin borrows money to pay for big-ticket projects, so this resolution sets the table for what voters could be asked to fund this fall. The City Manager would also report back with recommendations on other possible projects and ways to pay for them.

budget

"The vote passes with two no votes, the mayor and council member duchen and council member Laine abstaining on the vote. So the motion passes" — meeting transcript (unofficial)

What got said

• Speakers urged parks, mexic-arte, and bike infrastructure inclusion in a 2026 bond
• Mayor delivered a lengthy 'not yet' statement citing financial discipline
• CM Alter clarified the item only directs staff to develop options

Agenda PDF Legistar Official votes