Government
BY BEN THOMPSON
Austin surveillance guidelines passed Austin leaders adopted new policies for the city’s use of surveillance technologies in response to concerns about such systems, including a proposed parks security contract that was once again put on hold. The setup A $2 million contract for security trailers to be placed around parkland was up for City Council authorization both last summer and on Feb. 5, but was withdrawn from consider- ation both times after pushback. In response to public concerns—and previ- ous debates over privacy and data collection related to police license plate readers— council also passed a new civic surveillance technology use policy from Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela Feb. 5.
Austin’s social service ‘reset’ continues Funding for Austin’s social service programs is in line for further cuts, and the city is now evaluating how to both reduce portions of its tens of millions of dollars in annual spending. The setup Increased investments in social services like homelessness response, public health program- ming, violence interruption and resident assis- tance were proposed last year in the city’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget. Most added funding was stripped away in a budget rewrite after voters rejected a tax increase under Proposition Q. Further cuts are now on the horizon as Austin works toward what several officials have called a social services “reset.” The approach Dozens of social service contracts totaling
Social service funding More than $74 million is currently budgeted for social service programs in fiscal year 2025-26.
Violence prevention: $2.4M Workforce development: $2.7M Health equity, HIV services, community planning: $4.4M Basic needs: $5.8M Children and youth support: $9.2M Crisis response and behavioral health: $14.8M Homelessness: $34.9M
NOTE: TOTALS ARE ROUNDED SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
tens of millions of dollars are being reviewed to streamline or remove some programming with limited disruption. The multipart assessment already invento- ried nearly 170 past contracts worth more than $200 million. In FY 2025-26 alone, more than $74 million is reserved for social services. Staff will share possible next steps in the spring ahead of final budget adoption in the summer.
$700M bond outlined; council weighs 2026 vote A November $700 million bond package to fund mobility, watershed protection, parks and public facility projects has been recommended by city staff. The details Austin City Council voted to develop a new
2026 bond recommendation City staff proposed an initial $700 million projects list for a 2026 bond.
The initial outline released Jan. 21 doesn’t represent Austin’s final 2026 bond—if an election is even called this year. The task force will also weigh in with its own project proposals this spring before City Council makes a final decision in the summer. The new list cuts down last year’s $3.87 billion needs assessment from city departments. Given Austin’s current debt capacity, staff said a potential 2026 bond should be capped at $700 million.
Fire/EMS: $29M Community facilities*: $58M Police: $62M Parks and Recreation: $140M Watershed Protection: $160M Transportation: $251M
bond with climate-centered elements in 2024. City departments and the 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force have handled that work since then.
*ANIMAL SERVICES CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS, LIBRARY RENOVATION, FLEET PROPERTY ACQUISITION, NEW HOMELESS SHELTER SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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