On July 18th, 2024, Austin's City Council directed the City Manager to bring a comprehensive bond package for Austinites to approve through an election by November 2026.
The 2026 Bond Program is about realizing priorities and investing in Austin’s future. It is being developed with a clear objective: to address critical infrastructure needs and invest in projects that will deliver the greatest benefit to the community within a predictable and efficient six-year cycle.
Your Voice Matters
The 2026 General Obligation (GO) Bond is an opportunity to invest in the future of our city, but it’s important that it reflects the priorities and needs of our community. That’s why we’re asking for your input. Whether you attend a community meeting, fill out a survey, or engage with us online, your feedback will help shape the projects that move forward. Additionally, tell your family and friends to participate too!
This is your city, your tax dollars, and your opportunity to make a difference.
Initial Project Request List
Since October 2024, CDS, in close collaboration with City departments, has been preparing a comprehensive set of bond-eligible projects for possible inclusion in the 2026 Bond Program. Since October 2024, CDS, in close collaboration with City departments, has been preparing a comprehensive set of bond-eligible projects for possible inclusion in the 2026 Bond Program.
This has been a significant and highly coordinated effort. The Initial Project Request List details each project or program’s name and description, departmental prioritization, City Council district location, associated BEATF working group, and requested funding amount. The Initial Project Request List totals $3.9 billion, but does not represent the final 2026 Bond Program. Rather, it is a curated set of projects that, if selected, can be successfully delivered within the six-year timeframe.
Community Listening Sessions
Help shape Austin’s 2026 bond package by sharing your lived experiences, priorities, and ideas. Your voice will guide the BEATF’s funding recommendations for Austin’s infrastructure investments.
There are several dates available for participation to help ensure that everyone can attend:
📍 Sat., Nov. 15 |Gus Garcia Recreation Center, 1201 E. Rundberg Lane (6-8 pm)
💻 Tues, Nov. 18| Virtual session (6-8 pm) Register to receive meeting link and final details.
📍 Thurs., Nov. 20 | at Rudy Mendez Recreation Center, 2407 Canterbury Street (6-8 pm)
You can also submit your ideas on the online Idea Submission Tool, before November 30.
Your participation fosters trust and transparency, ensuring that all voices contribute to shaping our City’s future investments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Austin, as well as other cities, use 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. These bonds are repaid using property taxes, allowing improvements to be made without taking money away from important services.
These bonds are repaid using property taxes, allowing improvements to be made without taking money away from important services. By approving a GO Bond, community members address the current city needs, allowing for a safe, accessible, and vibrant Austin for generations to come.
The City’s annual budget is the funding needed for day-to-day operations. If the City were a household, the budget would be what you need to cover groceries and other day-to-day expenses.
A general obligation bond provides funding needed for large infrastructure projects that take several years to complete. This would be like taking out a loan to buy a home.
Learn more about the yearly budgeting process here: City of Austin 2025-26 Budget.
Established by the City Council, the 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force (BEATF) was formed to identify and recommend projects that could be included in the bond package and work with community and city staff to ensure an efficient and transparent process.
The BEATF is made up of 22 council-appointed Austinites. These community volunteers represent the 10 council districts and the Mayor. Learn more about the BEATF by exploring the BEATF Boards and Commissions page.