Austin's 2026 Bond Program is gearing up for significant community engagement as city officials work to refine a $3.9 billion needs assessment down to a proposed $700 million bond package. During a recent meeting, Eric Bailey, Deputy Director of Austin Capital Delivery Services, emphasized that the public engagement process is ongoing, countering concerns that deadlines had passed for community input.

Bailey outlined the role of Capital Delivery Services in the bond program, which includes coordinating with various city departments to ensure projects are thoroughly vetted for scope, schedule, and budget before the bond election. This proactive approach aims to avoid past pitfalls where initial project estimates did not account for all costs, leading to trust issues with the public.

The bond program will focus on essential projects such as flood control, city facilities, housing, and public safety, while excluding routine maintenance and employee salaries. The city has already conducted over 40 internal meetings to assess project eligibility and prioritize needs, significantly reducing the initial assessment from $10.4 billion to $3.9 billion.

Upcoming milestones include additional public outreach meetings scheduled for November, where community members can provide feedback on the proposed projects. The bond election advisory task force will also facilitate further engagement to ensure diverse community voices are heard.

As the city prepares for the 2026 bond election, officials are committed to transparency and inclusivity, inviting residents to participate actively in shaping the future of Austin's infrastructure and community resources. For more information on how to get involved, residents can visit the bond development and advisory task force websites.