City of Austin

Austin, TX - In August 2025, the City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, shaped and influenced by Austinites who provided input through surveys, in-person and virtual community meetings, and testimony at public hearings. The adopted budget included a property tax rate above the voter-approved tax rate, which required the City of Austin to hold an election on the tax rate increase.  The proposition, known as Proposition Q, was not approved by voters in the November election.

Had Proposition Q passed, the City would have approximately $110 million in additional revenue to spend on key priorities, but that does not mean the City now faces a $110 million deficit.  

The City has conducted a close and critical review of all spending, made reductions to realize savings where appropriate, and did so in a manner that does not negatively impact services. An amended and balanced budget will be presented to the City Council on Tuesday, incorporating adjustments that prioritize essential City services while considering the current financial landscape. 

Initially, the Austin City Council had planned to begin discussing the budget during a special-called meeting today. However, the City received a complaint related to the posted documents for the meeting. While the City of Austin believes that the meeting was posted correctly and appropriately, in an effort to ensure transparency, the City canceled the meeting and is taking additional steps to inform Austinites of the timeline to amend the FY26 Budget. 

The Proposed Amended FY26 Budget Timeline:

• Tuesday, Nov. 18: City Council Work Session and Budget briefing. Online speaker registration will open on Friday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. Online speaker registration closes on Monday, Nov. 17 at 12 p.m. In-person speaker registration closes 45 minutes before start of the meeting.
• Wednesday, Nov. 19: City Council Work Session and public hearing on the Proposed FY26 Amended Budget. Online speaker registration will open on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. Online speaker registration closes on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 12 p.m. In-person speaker registration closes 45 minutes before start of the meeting.  
• Thursday, Nov. 20: City Council to consider action on Proposed FY26 Amended Budget.  Online speaker registration will open on Monday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. Online speaker registration closes on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 12 p.m. In-person speaker registration closes 45 minutes before start of the meeting.
• Friday, Nov. 21: Special called meeting on Proposed FY26 Amended Budget, if needed. Online speaker registration will open on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. Online speaker registration closes on Thursday, Nov 20 at 12 p.m. In-person speaker registration closes 45 minutes before start of the meeting.
• Monday, Nov. 24: Special called meeting on Proposed FY26 Amended Budget, if needed. Online speaker registration will open on Friday, Nov 21 at 5 p.m. Online speaker registration closes on Sunday, Nov 23 at 12 p.m. In person speaker registration closes 45 minutes before start of the meeting.  

For information about registering to speak and meeting agendas, visit the Council Meeting Information Homepage.