CDC adopts FY26–27 budget recommendation with amendment prioritizing high-need communities

The Austin Community Development Commission voted March 10 to adopt its FY26–27 budget memorandum, which recommends additional assessments and funding across several city programs, including displacement-prevention, rental-housing development assistance, park renovation and sidewalk and ADA master-plan implementation.

Commissioner Longoria presented the memorandum and noted most line items reflected modest increases while a few requested multi‑million-dollar additions for capital work. During discussion, public commenter Zenobia Joseph urged prioritizing the North Lamar corridor and cited crash and fatality data and audits alleging informal decision-making by Transportation and Public Works.

Vice Chair Achilles proposed an amendment to the sidewalk-infrastructure language to require a ‘‘priority for high‑need communities (e.g., North Lamar) in response to clear high‑risk data trends for fatalities and crashes.’’ Commissioners debated wording and scope; Commissioner Menard suggested adding broader phrasing to ensure other high‑need areas are included. The amendment was revised to read: "with a priority for high‑need communities, e.g., North Lamar, and in response to clear high‑risk data trends for fatalities and crashes." The amended recommendation was seconded, voted on and adopted.

What the action does: The commission’s memo asks the City Council to consider the CDC’s recommended allocations and to prioritize sidewalk development, ADA master plan implementation and pedestrian-safety investments in areas identified by high-risk data. The commission will forward the memorandum to Mayor and Council as a formal recommendation and will continue outreach to departments and community groups for implementation details.

The vote: The chair called for a roll call and announced the passage of the budget recommendation with the amendment.