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Urban Transportation Commission backs mobility‑first package to advise 2026 bond
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a recommendation to prioritize mobility programs in the 2026 bond package, including Vision Zero, sidewalks, bikeways, urban trails, transit enhancements and a street reconstruction allocation; the recommendation was forwarded to the Bond Election Advisory Task Force and city council.
Vice Chair Schumacher moved to approve a working‑group recommendation to guide the City of Austin’s 2026 bond priorities; Chair Susan Summers seconded the motion and the commission voted unanimously to forward the recommendation to the Bond Election Advisory Task Force and City Council.
The recommendation frames mobility funding under the citywide $690 million bond constraint and proposes programmatic allocations rather than funding numerous individually named projects. The working group emphasized three guiding principles: reduce traffic fatalities toward the Vision Zero goal, pursue a 50/50 mode‑split goal for non‑single‑occupancy travel by 2039, and improve long‑term roadway condition targets (80% of lane miles rated fair to excellent).
Selected recommended funding levels in the working draft included (rounded): Vision Zero ($58.7M), Safe Routes to School ($20M), ATX Walk Bike Roll (sidewalks fully funded at the requested level; bikeways $40M; urban trails $53.2M), transit enhancements ($11.8M) and street reconstruction/rehabilitation ($66.5M). The working group recommended programmatic funding tied to council‑approved plans and equity‑based prioritization tools so projects can be delivered within a six‑year bond cycle. The commission debated corridor named projects and bridge funding but concluded programmatic allocations and a street/bridge rehabilitation plan would reduce delivery risk and improve transparency.
Commissioner Schumacher said the numbers reflect outputs from prior bond performance and are calibrated to what programs successfully spent in past cycles. After two minor textual corrections (an acronym and a small arithmetic fix), the commission voted in favor; Chair Summers recorded the outcome as unanimous among those present. Commissioners asked staff to track obligations and spending history and to return with a proactive maintenance plan and additional detail where relevant.
Motion: approve the draft UTC recommendation for the 2026 bond and forward to the Bond Election Advisory Task Force and City Council. Outcome: unanimous approval of those present.
