Austin, Texas – The City of Austin invites community members to participate in shaping the future of their city by engaging in the 2026 General Obligation (GO) Bond Program development process. Part of the planned engagement process includes a survey to identify community priorities. This first survey is open now and will run through June 23, 2025. Community feedback will play a vital role in determining the types of projects that may be included in the bond package.
Get involved! Take the survey, share your thoughts online or by calling Austin 3-1-1, or learn about future meetings by visiting AustinTexas.gov/Bond2026.
Like other cities, Austin uses General Obligation (GO) Bonds to fund long-term investments in public infrastructure. GO Bonds allow cities to borrow money to pay for major community projects, such as streets, libraries, or open spaces. The funds are paid back over time, allowing these community projects to be completed without taking money away from everyday city services.
On July 18, 2024, the Austin City Council directed the City Manager to develop a comprehensive bond package for voter consideration by November 2026. City staff have been reviewing strategic plans, assessing infrastructure needs, and identifying coordination opportunities to inform a potential bond proposal.
Community voices ensure that the 2026 GO Bond reflects Austin’s most pressing needs and long-term aspirations.
“This is your city, your tax dollars, and your opportunity to make a difference,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. “We want to hear from you—what matters most, what’s missing, and what kind of future you want to see for Austin.”
The City anticipates sharing a preliminary list of projects with the Bond Election Advisory Task Force (BEATF) in July 2025. The BEATF and City staff will provide final recommendations to the City Council by May 2026. The City Council is expected to vote on bond ballot language no later than August 2026. # # # |
