City Leaders Outline Scoring Rubric For $700M Project Prioritization Process

In a recent meeting of the Austin - 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force, members discussed the development of a scoring rubric aimed at evaluating city projects for the upcoming bond election. The goal is to finalize this rubric by October, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of various departmental priorities before presenting initial recommendations to the Bond Task Force in late November.

The scoring system, which will rank projects on a scale from 0 to 20, is designed to provide a structured approach to prioritize funding for city initiatives, particularly those that align with community needs and council priorities. Task Force members emphasized the importance of community input, noting that projects proposed by residents could also be evaluated using the same criteria, ensuring fairness in the selection process.

Key discussions highlighted the need for a comprehensive evaluation that considers historical funding patterns and the readiness of projects to be executed within a six-year cycle. Members acknowledged that while the rubric will focus primarily on named projects, larger categories like sidewalks and transportation initiatives will require a different evaluative lens. This approach aims to ensure that all projects are assessed equitably, taking into account their potential impact and alignment with city goals.

As the October 31 deadline for project submissions approaches, Task Force members are encouraging community engagement to ensure that all voices are heard in the decision-making process. The collaborative effort aims to create a transparent and inclusive framework for determining which projects will receive funding in the upcoming bond election, ultimately shaping the future of Austin's infrastructure and community services.

The meeting underscored the Task Force's commitment to a thorough and equitable evaluation process, setting the stage for a significant bond election that could impact the city for years to come.