Austin’s Efficiency Assessment
In February 2026, the Austin City Council approved an ordinance for a comprehensive efficiency assessment aimed at safeguarding public confidence, assuring operational efficiency, and delivering the best value in City services. The ordinance requires the City Auditor to contract with an external consultant to assess each city department.
In August 2026, the Austin City Auditor’s Office (ACAO) contracted with Public Works, LLC to conduct the assessment. Work began immediately, with the final schedule of departmental assessments serving as the first project deliverable.
Have any suggestions to make the city more efficient? Email the Efficiency Team.
Assessment Schedule
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | Aviation | Austin Energy |
| Animal Services | Budget and Organizational Excellence | Austin Resource Recovery |
| Communications and Engagement w/ 311 | Capital Delivery Services | Austin Water |
| Development Services | City Attorney's Office | |
| Economic Development | City Auditor's Office | |
| Emergency Management | City Clerk's Office | |
| EMS | City Manager's Office | |
| Fire | Climate Action & Resilience | |
| Forensic Science | Convention Center | |
| Government Relations | Equity & Inclusion | |
| Homeless Strategies | Facilities Management | |
| Housing | Financial Services | |
| Municipal Court | Fleet Mobility Services | |
| Parks and Recreation | Human Resources w/ Labor Relations | |
| Planning | Mayor & Council Offices | |
| Police | Technology Services | |
| Police Oversight | Transportation & Public Works | |
| Public Health | Watershed Protection | |
| Public Library | ||
| Small and Minority Business Resources |
Assessment Process
Public Works’ process for assessing City of Austin departments will be repeated over the three-year schedule. It includes several phases and continuous feedback, throughout. First, Public Works staff will engage with Austin stakeholders and collect needed information. The next phases involve analyzing various aspects of City operations, including how Austin compares to benchmarks. Public Works staff will also analyze Austin’s workflows, costs, staffing, and organizational structure. The last phase involves pulling all this work together, validating the results, and developing recommended improvements.
Do you have a suggestion to make the city more efficient? Email the Efficiency Team.