As work continues to build the City of Austin’s budget for fiscal year 2026, Austinites will have the opportunity to participate in shaping the future of their community by participating in the City’s Budget Priority Survey, available in multiple languages.

The survey launch follows the conclusion of five Community Budget Conversations hosted in locations across the city by Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax from February through April. The meetings brought residents together to learn about the budget development process and voice their funding priorities.  
 
“It was inspiring to hear from passionate Austinites about their priorities. The community made it clear that funding should focus on affordable housing, mobility, and community programs,” Broadnax said. “This valuable feedback will play a critical role as I continue to shape the proposed budget. 
 
To aid in budget discussions, today’s work session of the City Council included a presentation on the Five-Year Financial Forecast, a comprehensive report that details the City’s forecasted revenue and expenditures from fiscal year 2026 through 2030. The amounts included in the forecast are not budget recommendations, but rather a comparison of anticipated costs to provide existing City services with projected revenue collections. 

“The Financial Forecast is essential for understanding where we are headed and how we can best allocate resources to meet the community needs,” Kerri Lang, Director of the City’s Office of Budget and Organizational Excellence said. “Combining this outlook along with the community’s feedback from the survey and direction from the City Council will help us ensure that future funding decisions are informed, transparent, and aligned with priorities that matter most.”

The forecast includes projections of a budget deficit in the City’s General Fund beginning in fiscal year 2026, with the gap steadily widening over the next several years. Over the next several weeks, City management and budget staff will make necessary adjustments to close the projected 2026 gap. The City Manager plans to present a balanced Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget and Fiscal Year 2027 Plan to City Council in July. 

“Given the uncertainty in the global and national economy and the effect of property tax caps, we knew we’d be facing headwinds this year. We’ve prepared for them and will adjust as necessary,” Broadnax said.  “My job is to present a balanced budget for the City Council’s consideration in July, and we will get there while keeping the priorities of our community front of mind.”

The City’s Budget Survey will be available through early May. All residents are encouraged to contribute their perspectives on funding priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. To access the survey and find out about upcoming budget engagement opportunities, visit austintexas.gov/budget.

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