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Center City budget details River Walk repairs, parking funds and temporary Market Square tenant relief
Summary
The Center City Development & Operations budget includes $33.6 million, $4.4 million in capital projects for River Walk and garage repairs, and restricted parking and River Walk funds; staff said Market Square tenant lease relief runs through the end of the month while construction continues.
City staff outlined the Center City Development and Operations (CCDO) FY 2026 proposed budget and a set of near‑term capital projects tied to River Walk and garage maintenance.
Freddy Martinez and CCDO staff said CCDO's proposed budget is about $33.6 million and supports 156 positions. The presentation listed restricted funds totaling about $16.1 million: the parking fund, Market Square, the River Walk Capital Improvement Fund and the City Tower and Garage Fund. Major capital projects noted for FY 2026 include a $2 million repair to River Walk Gate 3, $1.4 million for River Walk sidewalk renovations, $800,000 to continue structural improvements at the Houston Street garage, and $230,000 for a River Walk staircase renovation; staff also showed $4.4 million total in CCDO capital projects.
Council members asked about Market Square tenant relief during nearby construction. CCDO staff said lease relief or other tenant support was extended through the end of the month to align with an expected construction completion schedule; if construction extends past that date, staff said further action would require examining enterprise fund resources and potentially additional council direction.
The presentation also mentioned revenue and performance metrics: CCDO oversees La Villita, Market Square, parking garages and River Walk operations and collects parking and facility revenues that are restricted for specified uses. Council members asked about event funding reductions and what the cuts would mean for operations; staff said the largest element of a 20% reduced event funding line item was one‑time audiovisual rental costs related to an AV project at Arneson River Theater that has begun this week.
