The Austin - 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force is gearing up for a series of community engagement meetings aimed at gathering public input on the upcoming bond election. Scheduled for November, these sessions will include two in-person meetings—one in the north and one in the southeast of the city—alongside a virtual meeting. The goal is to create a platform for residents to voice their priorities and ensure transparency in the bond process.

Task Force members emphasized the importance of community involvement, particularly from underrepresented groups, in shaping the bond project list. "Everyone's opinion matters," one member stated, urging participants to share their thoughts either during the meetings or afterward. The meetings are strategically planned for November to avoid discussions about potential tax increases that could arise if held in October, just before the election.

The sessions will feature a structured format, including welcome introductions, an overview of the bond process, and community Q&A sessions. Breakout discussions will allow attendees to delve into specific projects, with Spanish language support and ASL interpretation being considered to enhance accessibility.

In response to a suggestion, the Task Force is also exploring the use of Slido, a digital tool for managing questions and feedback, to streamline interactions during both in-person and virtual meetings. This approach aims to maintain an organized dialogue and ensure that community voices are heard without moderation bias.

As the Task Force prepares for these critical discussions, members are committed to addressing the financial implications of the bond projects. They recognize the need for transparency regarding potential tax impacts and plan to incorporate this feedback into their final recommendations.

The upcoming meetings represent a significant opportunity for Austin residents to influence the future of their community through the bond election process, reinforcing the Task Force's commitment to inclusivity and accountability.