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City Cast Austin

Kelsey Bradshaw

 that regulates how city departments can use surveillance technology.

The Transparent and Responsible Use of Surveillance Technology Act was created following backlash to a proposal that would have added cameras to several Austin parks. Austinites said adding cameras to parks violates civil liberties and raises concerns over privacy, data collection, and oversight.

Here’s what you need to know about the TRUST Act:

The ordinance calls for city departments to take stock of the surveillance technology they may already have in place. Departments will have to 

 any current technology that doesn’t comply with the ordinance.

Departments Need Approval Before Using Surveillance Tech

City employees must get approval from Austin City Council before a department is allowed to use technology like aerial drones with cameras, automatic license plate readers, and other camera systems.

Before a department can get approval, they must write and publish a report about why they need surveillance technology at least four weeks before they plan to use it, 

. The report must also detail how the department plans to protect the privacy of Austinites.

A department can set up contracts with technology vendors once approved.

“I think (the act) will also increase public trust in the city; that we’re doing this all above board, that there’s no secret deals where we’re allowing third-party companies to acquire and sell our residents’ data. I think it improves trust and confidence in the city government,” 

Council Member Mike Siegel told Community Impact.

The TRUST Act includes limits on what tools city departments can use. Tools using facial recognition are not allowed. Limits on how collected data can be used are 

Austin City Council members recently approved limits on surveillance technology.

What To Know About Austin’s TRUST Act

What's being decided in Austin City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Austin City Council. 

Austin Election and City Hall News

Local Civics

The Austin Independent School District school board 

 and will discuss the district’s 2026-2027 budget, which could end up with a deficit of $181 million.

Here’s what you need to know about the deficit before the meeting gets underway:

Low Enrollment Numbers Are Partly To Blame

The Austin school district has seen a somewhat steady decline in enrollment numbers over the last 10 to 15 years, 

, an education reporter at the Austin American-Statesman, explained 

during a recent discussion with City Cast Austin

Public school districts in Texas are funded based on how many students they have enrolled. That means they get more money per student from the state if enrollment numbers are higher.

. The dropping numbers can be attributed to a number of factors: The cost of living in Austin, immigration issues, and more choices being available for students, Heath said.

“We all know it's very expensive to live in Austin and has been for quite a while,” she said. “And if you are raising kids and want an affordable place to live, Austin may not be right.”

School districts surrounding AISD, like Hays and Bastrop, have seen enrollment numbers increase in recent years as people move out of Austin for more affordable housing options. Charter school enrollment has also increased in the last 10 years, as families are looking for more autonomy for what their student does in school.

New immigration policies have also led to families taking their kids out of AISD.

“You’re seeing this in districts all across the country where people are leaving, either by choice or by force, to go somewhere else,” Heath said.

Additionally, the state’s recapture program is likely hurting AISD. 

 takes tax dollars from districts with high property values like AISD, and redistributes the money to districts with lower property values.

Austin pays more into the recapture program than any other district in the state. In 2024, voters approved 

 that generated $171 million — $130 million of which went to the state’s program to fund other districts.

Proposed Budget Cuts Include Staff Layoffs

District officials must approve the budget for the upcoming school year in June, and some proposed changes include:

Reducing planning periods for secondary teachers

Reducing arts programming for elementary students

“Because nothing has been decided, and there's a lot of uncertainty, I think people are quite nervous,” Heath said.

Want to hear more on the issues AISD is facing? Listen to our episode with Keri! 👇

The district must approve a new budget in June.

Everything You Need To Know as AISD Stares Down a $181 Million Budget Deficit

 are calling for Cesar Chavez Street to be renamed after the 

 reported several sexual assault allegations against the labor leader last month.

The investigation says Chavez abused women and girls, including Dolores Huerta, a fellow leader in the labor movement who Chavez worked with. Fallout from the report was swift — across the country, events honoring Chavez were canceled, statues were removed, and school curriculums 

In Austin, four city council members — José Velásquez, Vanessa Fuentes, José “Chito” Vela, and Zohaib “Zo” Qadri — made a request earlier this month to change the name of Cesar Chavez Street.

Chavez died in April 1993 and that December, Austin’s First Street 

 after him The street runs west to east from MoPac Boulevard (Loop 1) to U.S. 183. El Concilio Mexican-American Landowners de East Austin, a local nonprofit, originally organized a call to rename First Street to honor Chavez. Now, the group wants the street 

“It’s a lesson learned,” Gabino Fernandez Jr., an El Concilio leader with El Concilio, 

. “Going back to First Street eliminates future discoveries about individuals that could lead to the same situation.”

The council request calls for City Manager T.C. Broadnax to develop a community outreach plan on whether or not to change the street name, and how much doing so would cost. It also asks Broadnax to report back to council on May 27.

“The city of Austin is committed to upholding the dignity and safety of all people and affirms its

unwavering support to survivors of sexual violence,” the request 

We recently asked City Cast Austin readers what they think the street’s name should be and got quite a few responses:

. She’s a civil rights icon, too, and bravely came forward with her story about Chavez.

Texas musician Stevie Ray Vaughan already has 

One of Texas’ two women governors, Ann Richards, was another reader suggestion. 

Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bat Bridge

Pastore was an Austin police officer who 

 to rename the road after Pastore has more than 1,500 signatures.

This wouldn’t be Austin if someone didn’t suggest Nelson. 

These are all great options, but it’s possible our reader 

 had the best suggestions: “Bessie Coleman, Simone Biles, Bonnie Dunbar, Opal Lee. ANY WOMAN!”

Austin May Change Cesar Chavez Street. Here’s 5 Name Suggestions.

Today is the first day of early voting for the March 3 primaries and we’ve got 

🎧 If you prefer your voting guide to be audio-based, 

listen to today’s City Cast Austin podcast episode

March 3 is Texas’ primary elections, which is where voters choose who the Democratic and Republican nominee will be for a number of roles, including Texas governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and John Cornyn’s U.S. Senate seat. You don’t need to be affiliated with a party in order to vote, but you can only vote in one party’s primary.

Think of this election like a semi-final. Whoever wins, moves on to the next round. If a runoff election needs to be held, that will be on May 26.

You have a lot to consider before heading to the polls this year. A good thing to know: You can 

look up your ballot on the Travis County Clerk’s website

. Go through each race and write down who you plan to vote for – you can bring your sheet of paper into the voting booth.

has a breakdown of all the candidates running in the primaries

Local races include a number of Travis County judge and county commissioner positions, as well as house seats. The Austin American-Statesman’s Editorial Board made recommendations for the March 3 election and 

🗳️ Early Voting in Travis County Lasts 10 Days

Early voting runs through Feb. 27, but times differ:

Feb. 17-21: Polling locations are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Feb. 22: Polling locations are open noon to 6 p.m.

Feb. 23-27: Polling locations are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Some polling locations will be open until 10 p.m. on the last two days of early voting. You can vote anywhere with a sign out front that says “Vote here/aqui.”

. The last day to apply for a mail-in ballot is Feb. 20. You can find 

Early voting has started in Travis County!

Your Guide to the March 3 Primaries in Texas

Austin Trivia: How Much Do You Know About Local Civics?

As immigration arrests increase in Texas and across the country, you may be wondering what you can do to help if you witness U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detaining a person.

found that daily ICE arrests increased to 176 per day during the first six months of the Trump Administration, compared to about 85 a day during the last 18 months of former President Joe Biden’s term.

Here are some tips on what you can do to get involved:

, reports that if you see someone being detained by ICE agents, you can ask ICE agents questions at checkpoints, homes, on trains or buses, and in other spaces. Ask why they may be searching vehicles, or where they plan to take the people they detain. You can ask why agents are there, and who they are searching for and why. Ask for a warrant, 

It is legal in Texas to record interactions with law enforcement as long as you 

do not disrupt or impede an investigation

. You can video tape an interaction and write down any badge numbers or license plate numbers you may see. U.S. citizens, according to United We Dream, have a right to observe, photograph, and videotape an interaction with agents.

It’s also best to listen if an ICE agent tells you to step back from an incident while you’re recording.

You can report the interaction you witnessed to 

, National immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild, and United We Dream. 

 across the U.S. was compiled by the National Association for Public Defense.

Legal observers are people who are trained by lawyers to record and observe interactions between law enforcement and the public, often at things like protests or rallies. The Austin Lawyers Guild hosts trainings periodically. You can 

The Truth About How Austin Police Works With ICE

You can help as a bystander if you see someone being detained by ICE agents.

How To Help Your Neighbors During an ICE Arrest in Austin

It’s election season again, and there’s a lot to know. Let’s get started:

March 3 is Texas’ primary election which is where voters choose who the Democratic and Republican nominee will be for a number of roles, including Texas governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and John Cornyn’s U.S. Senate seat. You don’t need to be affiliated with a party in order to vote.

You have until Feb. 2 to register to vote in the March 3 election. Not sure you’re registered? Check your 

The last day to apply for a mail-in ballot is Feb. 20. You can find 

The state’s newly redrawn congressional maps will be used during this election.

Travis County was split into four districts and 

 out of the area completely. Greg Casar currently represents District 35 and is now 

 under the new map. The district’s incumbent, Lloyd Doggett, is not seeking reelection.

👀 All Eyes Are on Talarico and Crockett

Cornyn is running for a fifth term as one of the state’s two senators in Congress and he’s facing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, among 

Three Democrat candidates are also running for the Senate seat including State Rep. James Talarico and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett. They are scheduled to debate 

. Recent polling shows the race will be a close one, with just 

The state's primary election is coming up.

What To Know About Texas’ March 3 Election

As the number of people visiting hospitals and clinics with flu-like symptoms rises in Austin and 

Here’s what to keep in mind when it comes to the flu:

🤧 Know the Difference Between the Flu and Allergies.

Not only is it flu season, it’s also cedar fever season, and it’s pretty bad out there. 

 and it’ll get worse with cold fronts this winter. While the symptoms for the flu and bad allergies are similar, there’s 

Allergies don’t cause a fever like the flu.

Allergies improve when you take an antihistamine.

Allergies can cause itchy eyes, which is not typical of the flu and other respiratory viruses.

Symptoms of both allergies and the flu include: A stuffy nose, coughing, sore throat, a runny nose, sneezing, partial loss of smell or taste, and fatigue. And, if you want to be sure, pick up an over-the-counter test.

Think you have the flu? You’re sure you have the flu? Stay home!

“If you’re feeling sick, stay home, wear a mask if you’re out of the house, wash your hands often, and speak with a doctor if the symptoms worsen,” 

 Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes.

Walkes said Austinites should seek treatment from a doctor as soon as possible, too.

We may be in the midst of flu season, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to get a flu shot. You can get immunized at spots like H-E-B, CVS, or Walgreens.

 to children who are uninsured, Medicaid-eligible, underinsured, and American Indian or Alaska Natives, and to adults who are uninsured.

The city has two immunization clinics where children can get a vaccine for $13 and adults for $25:

Dove Springs Clinic: 5811 Palo Blanco Lane

To find free vaccines, check the city’s 

mobile vaccine program’s schedule online

Flu Cases Are Up in Austin. Here’s What You Need To Know.

If you have someone who is hard to find a gift for, this may be the list for you. Why not donate to a local organization in their name? It’s easy, benefits the community, and gets one more thing off your holiday to-do list. Here’s a list of local nonprofits to support:

Caritas of Austin works to end homelessness by providing stable housing, food services, life skills classes, and career services. You can make 

Austin Diaper Bank gives out millions of diapers, and thousands of wipes and period supplies every year to low-income families in Central Texas. You can 

 or drop off diapers, wipes, and period supplies at the bank’s warehouse, located at 2210 Denton Drive.

Central Texas Pig Rescue houses about 200 pigs that have been saved from abuse, testing, and abandonment. You can 

Central Texas Food Bank serves 21 counties in the area. You can donate to the 

 and your donation will be quadrupled through Dec. 31. You can also 

 at the bank, located at 6500 Metropolis Drive.

Keep Austin Fed uses surplus food, like catering left over from events, to help feed the community. The organization takes 

Austin Bat Refuge rescues and rehabilitates bats and provides bat education services. You can 

Texas Book Festival is free to attend because of the number of donations it receives. You can help the festival stay free by 

Casa Marianella is an emergency homeless shelter connecting immigrants with safe housing and support services like ESL classes and legal support. 

 to the organization, which opened in 1986, online.

Central Texas Tortoise Rescue saves, houses, and rehabilitates pet tortoises and box turtles before placing them in homes. You can 

The Trail Conservancy was created to help protect the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake. You can 

The perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for person on your list! 

10 Austin Nonprofits To Donate to This Holiday Season

After the November failure of Proposition Q, which would have raised property taxes in order to give the city $110 million to spend, Austin City Council members had to revamp the city’s 

Money had to be moved around or cut without the extra cash Prop Q would have provided, and council members ended up not expanding some services like they had wanted to, and shrinking some city department budgets.

Here’s what you need to know, courtesy of City Cast Austin contributor Amy Stansbury of 

Proposition Q would have allowed the city to hire 60 new park maintenance employees to help with Austin’s increase in parkland. Even without the measure passing, the new budget allows the city to hire 15 such employees.

Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services also received enough funding to have a 24/7 mental health response, and some money was put toward avoiding brownouts at EMS stations. Brownouts happen when not enough people are working at a station, and ambulances can’t run. The department has a high vacancy rate right now, Stansbury said.

“This was one of the main directives – even if we have to make other cuts in other areas, we don’t want brownouts at EMS,” Stansbury said of the council’s budget process.

📉 Three Departments Saw Funding Cuts to Social Service Contracts

Austin Public Health, Austin Economic Development, and Austin Municipal Court all saw a 10% funding cut to existing contracts for social services in the new budget, which means contractors will have to figure out how to do more with less or raise the money another way, Stansbury said.

Money was also taken out of the city’s reserves to help with Austin’s budget deficit. The move is allowed, that’s what the reserve is for, but it won’t be something the city can do every year.

👀 Austin City Council Is Looking at Their Own Finances

At a recent Austin City Council meeting, members approved a 

 to work on new policies regarding council spending. Meanwhile, Prop Q opponents are gathering signatures to force an election 

multiple stories in the Austin American-Statesman

 that revealed council members were using taxpayer money too liberally. One such story was published just before Election Day.

“It certainly hurts public trust and it’s not a good sign,” 

. “I think it makes the public angry and upset. It’s like, if you’re going to ask us for money, you’ve got to tighten up your own ship.”

Austin City Council members had to revamp the budget after Prop Q failed.