← All meetings

• 1 Passed 8-2unofficial

  Conduct a public hearing and approve an ordinance adopting and levying a property (ad valorem) tax rate for the City for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

  The city holds a public hearing and adopts an ordinance setting the property (ad valorem) tax rate for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. This rate determines how much Austin property owners pay to fund city services, and it's a required annual step in setting the city's budget.

  "The motion to approve the ordinance to adopt a property tax rate passes on a vote of eight in favor passes on all three readings"

  • Mayor Watson and Council member Duchen voted no
  • Council member Siegel off dais celebrating 20th wedding anniversary
  • Required verbatim roll-call motion with debt rate of $0.135312 per $100 valuation
• 2 Results pendingunofficial

  Conduct a public hearing and consider proposed rate and fee changes for Austin Resource Recovery as part of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 proposed budget.

  Austin holds a public hearing on proposed rate and fee changes for Austin Resource Recovery, the department that handles curbside trash, recycling, and composting pickup. The changes are part of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, so what's decided here shapes what shows up on residents' utility bills.

  "without objection, we will close the public Hearin item number two. And the public hearing is now closed"

  • Susana Almanza of PODER opposed all utility rate increases while city subsidizes billionaires
• 3 Results pendingunofficial

  Conduct a public hearing and consider a proposed drainage charge rate change for Austin Watershed Protection as part of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 proposed budget.

  This is a public hearing on a proposed change to the drainage charge that helps fund Austin's Watershed Protection work, folded into the proposed 2026-2027 budget. The drainage charge shows up on Austin utility bills, so a rate change touches what residents and businesses pay to support flood control and water quality efforts around town.

  "Without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number three. And the public hearing is now closed"

  • Almanza asked her item two comments be considered for item three as well
• 4 Results pendingunofficial

  Conduct a public hearing and consider proposed rate and fee changes for Austin Water as part of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 proposed budget.

  This item opens a public hearing on proposed rate and fee changes for Austin Water as part of the proposed 2026-2027 budget. If you get a water bill in town, this is where the utility's pricing for the coming fiscal year gets aired out and considered.

  "without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number four. And the public hearing is now closed"

• 5 Results pendingunofficial

  Conduct a public hearing and consider proposed rate and fee changes for Austin Energy as part of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 proposed budget.

  Austin Energy is bringing proposed changes to its rates and fees to the table as part of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 proposed budget, and this item includes a public hearing where Austinites can weigh in. Because Austin Energy is the city-owned utility, any adjustments here touch the monthly bills of households and businesses across town.

  "Without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number five. The public hearing is now closed"

  • Kaiba White (Public Citizen) urged rejecting the 5% Austin Energy rate increase pending a full rate case
  • Marian Sanchez of PODER cited $1.33 billion projected power generation capital expenses
• 6 Passed 10-0unofficial

  Conduct a public hearing and approve an ordinance authorizing fees, fines, and other charges to be set or charged by the City for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending on September 30, 2027, and waiving fees and other charges.

  This item covers the annual ordinance that sets the fees, fines, and other charges the City of Austin collects for the upcoming fiscal year, running October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. It includes a public hearing where residents can weigh in, and it also authorizes waiving certain fees and charges. These are the everyday costs that touch permits, services, and penalties across city departments, so it shapes what Austinites pay in the year ahead.

  "There being ten yeses and council member Siegel off the dais. Item number six is adopted, as amended"

  • Alter amendment reduced film permit fee from $425 to $250
  • Alter amendment reduced sound permit fee
• 7 Passed 9-2unofficial

  Approve an ordinance adopting the City of Austin Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending on September 30, 2027.

  This item adopts the City of Austin budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, covering the year that starts October 1, 2026 and runs through September 30, 2027. The annual budget sets the city's spending plan across all departments and services, making it one of the biggest decisions on the council's calendar.

  "The motion to adopt the city's budget for fiscal year 2026 2027, as amended, passes on a vote of 9 to 2"

  • Mayor Watson voted no, citing 911 changes and use of certificates of obligation
  • Extended debate over creating a joint emergency communications office before consultant report received
  • Council amended library funding to draw $326,321 from reserves, dropping reserve level to 16.98%
• 8 Passedunofficial

  Approve an ordinance establishing classifications and positions in the classified service of Austin Fire; creating certain positions; and repealing Ordinance No. 20251218-003 relating to Austin Fire classifications and positions. Funding: Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budgets of Austin Fire.

  This ordinance updates the official roster of job classifications and positions in the Austin Fire Department's classified service, creating certain new positions and repealing the previous ordinance that set those classifications. It's the kind of housekeeping move that keeps the department's staffing structure current, but it shapes how AFD is organized and who fills which ranks. Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budgets of Austin Fire.

  "Without objection. Item number eight is adopted on three readings. Unanimously"

• 9 Passedunofficial

  Approve an ordinance establishing classifications and positions in the classified service of Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS); and repealing Ordinance No. 20250813-007 relating to ATCEMS classifications and positions. Funding: Available in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budget of ATCEMS.

  This ordinance sets up the official job classifications and positions for Austin-Travis County EMS, replacing the version council passed last August. It's the kind of administrative housekeeping that defines the ranks and roles for the folks who show up when you call 911. Funding comes from ATCEMS's Fiscal Year 2026-2027 operating budget.

  "item number nine is passed unanimously on all three readings"

• 10 Passedunofficial

  Approve an ordinance establishing classifications and positions in the classified service of Austin Police and repealing Ordinance No. 20250813-008 relating to Austin Police classifications and positions. Funding: Available in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budget of Austin Police.

  This ordinance sets the official job classifications and staffing positions in Austin Police's classified service, replacing the prior ordinance that governed those classifications. Funding comes from the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budget of Austin Police.

  "item number ten passes unanimously on all three readings"

• 11 Passedunofficial

  Ratify the property tax increase reflected in the Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

  This item ratifies the property tax increase built into the city's Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. It's the formal step City Council takes to lock in the tax rate that funds next year's spending, which touches everyone who owns or rents property in Austin.

  "Without objection. Item number 11 is adopted. I would like to be shown voting no. Council member duchen will be voting no"

  • Mayor and Duchen shown voting no; Siegel off dais
• 12 Passedunofficial

  Authorize negotiation and execution of a one-year service agreement with the Austin Housing Finance Corporation to manage and operate various housing programs on the City’s behalf during Fiscal Year 2026-2027 in an amount not to exceed $90,506,483. Funding: Funding in the amount of $90,506,483 is available in the City’s Operating and Capital Budgets.

  This item authorizes a one-year service agreement with the Austin Housing Finance Corporation to run the City's various housing programs during Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The AHFC handles the day-to-day management and operation of these programs on Austin's behalf. The agreement is set at an amount not to exceed $90,506,483, funded through the City's Operating and Capital Budgets.

  "The consent agenda again, I'll read it is 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 22 is adopted unanimously"

• 13 Passedunofficial

  Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to study fees and regulations that apply to special events held in parks, propose options for accepting special event proposals at underutilized parks; and to provide a progress report on Resolution No. 20240215-023, which related to supporting and preserving accessible, inclusive, open-to-the-public events and creating an application process for City co-sponsorship or other partnerships.

  This resolution directs the City Manager to take a fresh look at the fees and rules that govern special events held in Austin parks, and to float ideas for bringing events to parks that don't get much use. It also asks for a progress check on an earlier 2024 resolution aimed at keeping public events accessible and inclusive and setting up a process for the City to co-sponsor or partner on them. For anyone who throws or attends festivals, markets, or gatherings in local parks, it could shape how those events get greenlit down the road.

  "12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 22 is adopted unanimously"

  • Scott Johnson urged review of the parkland special events ordinance task force recommendations
• 14 Passedunofficial

  Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to develop a schedule and process for reviewing social services and contracting performance, working with Council Committees on this review, and reporting back to Council.

  This resolution directs the City Manager to build a schedule and process for reviewing how the city's social services contracts are performing, coordinating with Council Committees along the way and reporting back to Council. It's a behind-the-scenes accountability move aimed at giving council a clearer picture of whether the organizations Austin pays to deliver social services are delivering.

  "Items 14 and 15, version three passed"

  • Passed as version three
  • One Voice pushed for full $5.4 million social services restoration and FY28 baseline protection
• 15 Passedunofficial

  Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to review and make recommendations regarding key performance measures including a comprehensive review of existing data, audits and models for performance management for Austin Police.

  This resolution directs the City Manager to review and recommend key performance measures for the Austin Police Department, including a comprehensive look at existing data, audits, and performance-management models. It's about how the city tracks and evaluates police performance, setting the groundwork for how APD's work gets measured going forward.

  "Items 14 and 15, version three passed"

  • Passed as version three
• 16 Passedunofficial

  Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to propose City Code amendments to classify “microbusiness,” adjust permitting and licensing requirements to reduce the barriers to entry for microbusinesses, establish eligibility criteria, and develop a program that waives City fees for qualifying microbusinesses.

  This resolution directs the City Manager to draft City Code changes that would create a "microbusiness" classification and set eligibility rules for it. The goal is to lower the hurdles for small startups by adjusting permitting and licensing requirements and building a program that waives City fees for businesses that qualify.

  "12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 22 is adopted unanimously"

  • Institute for Justice testified Austin is the most regulatory-complex city studied for starting a restaurant
• 17 Passedunofficial

  Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to develop a security implementation plan for City parks and recreation lands and facilities; to acquire, deploy, and activate equipment to improve parks security and safety; and to ensure any parks surveillance technology is in full compliance with Ordinance No. 20260423-029 (known as the “TRUST Act”) and prioritized for deployment to City parks with a history of violent crimes.

  This resolution directs the City Manager to draft a security plan for Austin's parks and recreation lands, including acquiring and deploying equipment to improve safety at parks with a history of violent crime. Any surveillance technology used has to comply with the city's TRUST Act (Ordinance No. 20260423-029). For anyone who spends time in Austin's green spaces, it's a look at how the city plans to balance safety measures with privacy protections.

  "Item 17. Also version number three"

  • Passed as version three
  • Public testimony opposing AI-enabled/surveillance equipment in parks, invoking the TRUST Act
• 18 Passedunofficial

  Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to create a nature trail to connect the Circle C Metropolitan Park to the Hielscher Tract Greenbelt trail through adjacent City-owned land, ensure environmental protection, engage with community partners, and identify funding in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget.

  This resolution directs the City Manager to build a nature trail linking Circle C Metropolitan Park to the Hielscher Tract Greenbelt trail across adjacent City-owned land in Southwest Austin. It calls for environmental protections along the route, engagement with community partners, and identifying money for the project in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget. For trail users in the area, it points toward a new connection between two existing outdoor spaces.

  "12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 22 is adopted unanimously"

  • Speaker recounted a cyclist killed in a hit-and-run to support connectivity/safety investments
• 19 Passed 6-2unofficial

  Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to establish an Office of Joint Emergency Communications within the Management Services Department, take the necessary steps to create an independent Joint Emergency Communications Department outside of the Austin Police Department, and make recommendations regarding the creation of an independent Joint Emergency Communications Department.

  This resolution directs the City Manager to stand up an Office of Joint Emergency Communications within the Management Services Department and take steps toward creating an independent Joint Emergency Communications Department that sits outside the Austin Police Department. It also calls for recommendations on how to build out that independent department. The move matters because it would shift responsibility for the city's emergency communications — the folks who answer and route 911 calls — away from APD and into their own standalone operation.

  "item number 19, as amended, passes on a vote of six in favor, two in opposition, those being duchen and the mayor. Three abstentions, those being Ellis harper-madison and the mayor pro tem"

  • Vote reconsidered to adopt Siegel technical amendment replacing 'management services department' with 'general fund'
  • City Manager and public safety chiefs recommended against creating a separate office before the consultant report
  • Council member Laine expressed frustration over years of delay on 911 improvements
• 20 Passedunofficial

  Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to study if the proposed increase in the drainage charge rate for Austin Watershed Protection as part of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 proposed budget is sufficient for the City’s drainage infrastructure needs and bring back any required ordinances if necessary to increase the change in the proposed drainage utility charge.

  This resolution asks the City Manager to take a closer look at whether the proposed drainage charge rate bump in the FY 2026-2027 budget actually covers what Austin's stormwater and drainage infrastructure needs. If the study finds the increase falls short, staff would come back with ordinances to adjust the drainage utility charge. It matters because that charge shows up on ratepayers' bills and funds the systems that keep neighborhoods from flooding.

  "12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 22 is adopted unanimously"

• 21 Passedunofficial

  Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to provide Council with a summary list of complaints of police misconduct and related information commonly referred to as the “G-file,” and directing the City Manager to provide Council with an assessment of costs, as well as any legal, technological, or operational barriers, to develop a publicly accessible online database of information related to allegations of misconduct.

  This resolution directs the City Manager to hand Council a summary list of police misconduct complaints — the records long known around town as the "G-file" — along with related information. It also asks staff to size up what it takes to build a public online database of misconduct allegations, including the costs and any legal, technological, or operational hurdles. For anyone tracking police accountability and transparency in Austin, it's a step toward getting this information into public view.

  "12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 22 is adopted unanimously"

  • Debate over G-file transparency and creating a searchable public misconduct database
• 22 Passedunofficial

  Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to evaluate and develop recommendations for the social services contracts that are proposed for reductions or elimination as part of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget.

  This resolution directs the City Manager to take a closer look at the social services contracts slated for cuts or elimination in the proposed 2026-2027 budget, and to come back with recommendations. It matters because those contracts fund programs many Austinites rely on, and this step could shape whether they stick around.

  "12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 22 is adopted unanimously"

  • Providers raised concern the assessment could not be completed within 35-40 days without service disruption
• 23 No vote recorded

  The Mayor will recess the City Council meeting to conduct a Board of Directors’ meeting of the Austin Housing Finance Corporation. Following the adjournment of the AHFC Board meeting, the City Council will reconvene. This item has no fiscal impact.

  During the council meeting, the Mayor recesses so the council can meet as the Board of Directors of the Austin Housing Finance Corporation, then reconvenes as City Council afterward. This procedural step lets the same officials handle AHFC business, the city's affordable housing arm, in a separate session. The item has no fiscal impact.

• 24 No vote recorded

  The Mayor will recess the City Council meeting to conduct a Board of Directors' meeting of the Mueller Local Government Corporation. Following adjournment of the MLGC Board meeting the City Council will re-convene.

  During this meeting, the Mayor pauses the regular City Council session so the group can meet as the Board of Directors of the Mueller Local Government Corporation, the entity that oversees the Mueller redevelopment on the old airport site. Once that board wraps up its business, the Council picks its own meeting back up. This is a procedural switch between two roles the same officials hold.