Rally Austin pitches roughly $262 million 2026 bond package to preserve cultural and legacy spaces

David Culligan, chief operating officer of Rally Austin, told the Tourism Commission on Oct. 8 that the nonprofit’s proposal for the November 2026 bond election would ask voters to approve roughly $262 million to preserve and create affordable cultural, commercial and live-work spaces for creatives and legacy small businesses in Austin.

Culligan said the package is organized around three program “verticals”: acquiring property to secure cultural and legacy sites; capital construction and gap financing for facilities; and development of affordable work/living space for artists. "This is a conversation about November 2026," he said, drawing a distinction from the current 2025 tax-rate and bond work.

Why it matters: Culligan argued that loss of affordable commercial space is displacing musicians, artists and legacy businesses that support Austin’s tourism and experience economy. He told the commission Rally Austin (the local government corporation originally formed as the Austin Economic Development Corporation) has been stewarding a portfolio of assets and is seeking city and voter-authorized funds to expand that work.

Key details Culligan provided:

- Total request: Culligan said the full package being discussed with city stakeholders is about $260–$262 million. He presented line items that together make up that figure.

- Property acquisition: Culligan said Rally Austin is requesting about $80 million to acquire sites that would be held long term to secure cultural and legacy uses.

- Capital…