City Council Approves Digital Kiosks to Enhance Navigation and Support Local Businesses

AUSTIN, TX – Following approval at the March 26 Austin City Council meeting, the City of Austin is moving forward with an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 25-10 to authorize the implementation of interactive digital kiosks in the public right-of-way. This action enables the City to deploy a network of smart kiosks designed to provide real-time public information, support local businesses, and enhance the pedestrian experience in high-activity areas.

The interactive kiosks will provide residents and visitors with easy access to wayfinding tools, public transit information, event listings, civic resources, and emergency messaging. The initiative is led by Austin Economic Development, in collaboration with Transportation and Public Works and other City departments.

“This program represents an important step in Austin’s continued evolution as a connected and innovative city,” said Anthony Segura, Deputy Director of Austin Economic Development. “Interactive kiosks will make it easier for residents and visitors to navigate downtown, discover local businesses, and stay informed about City services, all at no cost to taxpayers.”

The kiosks are designed to serve a broad public audience and will include:

• Real-time public transit routes and schedules
• Wayfinding and navigation tools
• Local event and cultural listings
• Civic information and emergency messaging
• Wi-Fi access
• Mobile “handoff” capability allowing users to send directions and information directly to their phones

The kiosks are intended to provide meaningful public benefit, enhance transit access, and contribute to Austin’s smart city infrastructure. Each kiosk will be fully ADA compliant and designed to meet federal accessibility standards, including adjustable screen height, high-contrast mode, large text options, and forward-reach compliance.

The program has been designed with community impact in mind, with requirements to ensure safe placement, appropriate lighting, and compatibility with surrounding environments to support Austin’s quality of life. 

Supporting Small and Local Businesses 
A central goal of the program is to strengthen Austin’s small business community by making it easier for community members and visitors to discover local businesses. All businesses will be included in a free directory listing on the kiosks, allowing users to search for nearby businesses and get directions. Listings are organized by proximity, meaning businesses closest to the kiosk appear first. Listings cannot be purchased or prioritized through paid placement, ensuring fair and equal visibility for all businesses.

In addition to the free directory, small, local businesses will have access to discounted advertising rates if they choose to promote their business on the kiosks. The City will have dedicated space to highlight local businesses and community-serving initiatives, helping expand visibility for Austin’s small business community. The City will also receive dedicated advertising space for public service announcements and civic messaging. 

Financial Model & Content 
The program will operate under a zero-cost model to the City, with IKE Smart City, LLC, selected through a competitive process, responsible for manufacturing, installation, operations, and maintenance. Revenue generated through advertising will be shared with the City and can support public priorities, services, and community-serving initiatives.

This approach allows Austin to expand access to public information and infrastructure without placing additional financial burden on taxpayers. All advertising content will be subject to City guidelines and approval to ensure it aligns with community standards and does not include prohibited or inappropriate material. 

Siting and Implementation 
Kiosks will initially be deployed in high-pedestrian areas, including downtown and other commercial corridors. Final locations will be reviewed and approved by the City to ensure safe pedestrian flow, ADA compliance and clear path standards, compatibility with existing infrastructure, and appropriate lighting and brightness controls.

Transportation and Public Works will oversee siting, spacing, and lighting standards pursuant to the adopted ordinance. The kiosks will not include cameras and are not designed to collect personal information from users.

The City looks forward to engaging with community stakeholders, downtown partners, and neighborhood representatives in the coming months to inform final siting and ensure the kiosks reflect community needs and priorities.

With Council approval secured, the City will move forward with finalizing siting criteria, advancing community engagement, and planning phased deployment. Installation is anticipated to begin following permitting and utility coordination.

This initiative reflects Austin’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and economic opportunity by connecting people to places while supporting local businesses and strengthening the City’s public information infrastructure. For more information, visit the Austin Economic Development website.

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About Austin Economic Development  
Austin Economic Development supports business growth, workforce industries, and local community partnerships that advance economic growth and identity.  These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. To learn more, subscribe to our newsletter or connect with us @AustinEconDev on Facebook, @AustinEconDev on X, and @AustinEconDev on YouTube.