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City Cast Austin

Kelsey Bradshaw

The city of Austin is asking for feedback on renaming Cesar Chavez Street following sexual assault accusations made against the labor leader 

The street runs east from MoPac Boulevard (Loop 1) to U.S. 183. Previously named Water Avenue and then First Street, it was renamed for Chavez after 

. 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 is among several Austinites who want the street changed back to its original name or renamed completely.

 for residents to take about the possible renaming. The survey includes questions about a person’s relationship to Cesar Chavez Street and what factors the city should consider in renaming it.

Two names the city is considering because of their historic ties to the road are La Primera Street and First Street. You can also submit your own ideas for what the street should be named, with a couple of rules:

Cannot contain numbers, complicated words, or unconventional spellings

No offensive, libelous, derogatory or copyrighted words can be used

Only characters of the standard English alphabet are allowed

Updating the current street signs and highway signs, and notifying impacted businesses and residents would cost between roughly $413,700 and $1,223,700, 

In addition to the survey, the city is hosting 

 to gather community feedback on the renaming:

Aug. 11 at 5 p.m. at Austin Public Library’s Central Library

Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. at Sanchez Elementary School

Austin Wants Your Feedback on Cesar Chavez Street

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

Becky Fogel

More than 1,300 students living within the Austin Independent School District’s boundaries have received education savings accounts, or 

, in 2025 to give families taxpayer money to help pay for private school or homeschooling.

Here’s the latest on what it could mean for AISD:

, 4,896 students living within AISD’s boundaries applied for the program. The state has awarded funding to 1,334 of those applicants, so far.

Travis Pillow, a spokesperson for the TEFA program, said roughly 30% of the awardees were enrolled in public school during the 2024-25 school year. The remaining recipients were either too young to enroll in school, previously attended a private school, or were homeschooled.

More than 200 private schools in the Austin area are approved to accept TEFA funds. There’s about 2,700 participating private schools statewide. You can search for eligible schools 

More Students Could Get Vouchers This Year

Most families, who had already been selected for the TEFA program, had until 

 to select a private school at which to use the money. Families that missed the deadline forfeited the funding, which will now be redirected to students on the program’s waitlist.

Pillow said families currently on the waitlist will find out by the end of the month if they’re going to receive TEFA funding.

“We are looking forward to that and getting that funding in those families’ hands as soon as possible so that they can start making their tuition payments, buying their textbooks, and other things they need to do to prepare for the upcoming school year,” Pillow said.

At this point, the state has approved applications for more than 

Any students AISD loses as a result of the TEFA program spells more trouble for the 

. The state’s school voucher program is launching as the district continues to struggle with declining enrollment. Fewer students means less state funding. Last year alone, 

An AISD spokesperson said the district ended the 2025-26 school year with 69,382 students. AISD’s budget for the upcoming school year was made based on the projection that student enrollment will likely drop to 68,188 students.

“Taking into consideration the rollout of the state’s new Education Freedom Accounts and factoring a potential decline into our multi-year planning is the only fiscally responsible approach to protecting district resources, ensuring stability, and building back our fund balance amidst ongoing state funding challenges,” the spokesperson told City Cast Austin.

The budget the AISD school board adopted last month includes 

 in cuts. The backdrop for the district’s funding and enrollment challenges is the ongoing possibility of 

 due to low accountability ratings for three campuses.

More than 200 private schools in the Austin area are eligible to accept state funding.

AISD May Lose Even More Students to Texas’ School Voucher Program

Amy Stansbury

We finally have a draft of the city’s budget for next year! On July 10, Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax released his 

 for 2026-27. City council members will now spend the next several weeks debating and making changes to that proposal before they vote on a final version on Aug. 12.

The city’s budget influences everything from how much you pay in property taxes, to the amount of money available for everything from parks to police. Other than voting, sharing your thoughts on the proposed budget is one of the most impactful ways to influence the future of our city.

This is one of the tightest budgets in recent memory, as the city faces fiscal pressures from the state’s 3.5% property tax cap, diminishing sales tax revenue, and federal funding cuts. To reduce expenses, the city manager has proposed several budget cuts and efficiency measures, most notably, to social service spending.

 The city has contracts with an array of different nonprofit organizations, which provide services out in the community, including homelessness services, violence prevention, and programs for kids. In the wake of the 

, these social services have continued to face reductions, including $5.1 million in proposed cuts to this year’s budget, with others planned for next year.

 The goal of the efficiency measures is to identify which programs are producing the best outcomes, and find ways to reduce costs by improving processes or investing in different technologies, without necessarily cutting essential services. Later this month, city council members will vote on a contract to bring in a third-party auditor to conduct a comprehensive efficiency assessment of all city departments.

Many city departments will still see small jumps in their budget this year, mostly because of employee wage increases and the rising costs of technology and basic goods.

 Four new positions to provide additional administrative and contract management support, as well as ongoing funding for the city’s shelter at the Marshalling Yard.

 An additional $1.2 million for pools and parks maintenance.

$6 million to maintain the four-person staffing model on fire trucks.

About $500,000 in new funding to support recruiting efforts at the Austin Police Department. Overall, APD’s budget will get a $24 million increase, which is driven by employee wage increases from the 2024 contract between the city and the Austin Police Association, the union that represents officers, and general citywide cost increases for things like administrative support, technology, and fuel.

To note: Anytime APD’s budget receives an increase, it’s a topic of debate because of a 

 that prevents cities from lowering police department budgets from year-to-year. This means that any increase in APD’s budget essentially becomes permanent. 

The city manager’s current budget proposal raises taxes to the maximum allowed by the state’s 3.5% cap. For the median homeowner (someone with a house worth $484,907) that is a $174 or 8.4% increase.

P.S. Another thing that could impact your property tax bill is a potential bond election in 2026. Council will make a final decision about that at their meeting tomorrow.

Have thoughts about the proposed budget? Tell our city’s elected officials what you think! Every council member is hosting a budget town hall meeting in their district. You can also sign up to speak at a city budget hearing. 

You can find the full list of dates and locations here

Austin’s New Budget Is Out. Here’s How Much It’ll Cost You.

Budget season is here, y’all. City Manager T.C. Broadnax is presenting a draft, $6.6 billion budget proposal to Austin City Council members 

, kicking off weeks of discussions on what the city should spend its money on over the next fiscal year.

Austin homeowners would have to fork over 

 if the budget is approved as is. This amount includes both a 3.5% increase in property taxes, and higher rates for electricity, water, trash, and drainage.

The city can only raise property taxes by 3.5% without asking for voter approval. Last year, the city’s measure to increase property taxes by 20% to cover its budget 

The budget beefs up some departments while trimming others.

A $16.8 million cut to the city’s social service portfolio has been proposed, which would affect contracts with organizations that provide things like 

. Other cuts include $170,000 from the Parks and Recreation Department’s 

, and $2.9 million from Travis County’s Sobering Center.

The budget also includes $6 million in overtime funding for the Austin Fire Department and a $504,000 

increase in the Austin Police Department’s recruitment budget

. Plus, Austin Animal Center would receive 

 at the shelter, and Austin Public Library would get five new staff positions.

The budget is due in mid-August and will go into effect on Oct. 1. Austin City Council members will discuss the budget over 

Public comment is allowed at the meetings by phone or in person. You can register online to speak 

, as well. The budget is split up into two volumes, which you can find 

A new budget will go into effect on Oct. 1. 

Austin’s 2026-2027 Budget Discussions Are Starting. Here’s What You Need To Know.

Austin’s Budget Discussions Are Starting. Here’s What You Need To Know.

Austin health officials are monitoring an outbreak of cattle-killing flies in Texas as cases reach double-digits.

So far, 10 active cases of New World screwworms have been reported in Texas, 

. None of the cases are out of the Austin-Travis County area, but officials here are prepping in case that changes. The closest area to Austin with an active case 

 that lay eggs in open wounds or body openings of animals. Once the eggs hatch, maggots can burrow and feed off an animal’s living tissue. This can lead to serious injury or death.

All mammals are at risk of screwworms. While the risk of screwworms in humans in the U.S. 

, the flies can lay eggs in farm animals like cattle and goats, or domestic pets like dogs and cats.

Visible maggots in wounds, ears, nose, eyes, or mouth

Pets can be successfully treated for screwworms. If you think your animal has become infected with screwworms, 

Officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it plans to 

use drones equipped with artificial intelligence

 to monitor wildlife in the fight against screwworms. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved generic tablets for treatment of the worms in dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens that weigh at least two pounds. The nitenpyran tablets are 

Local health officials say Austinites should take certain precautions if they plan to visit an area where screwworms have been reported:

Keep open wounds clean and covered with a bandage.

Sleep inside a room that has screens on its windows and doors.

Wear pants, a hat, socks, and loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts to prevent mosquito bites. Use bug spray, too.

Check any wounds for white fly eggs or maggots.

How Austin Health Officials Are Preparing As New World Screwworm Cases Rise in Texas

Let’s face it. Keeping up with everything Austin City Council members are up to is really, really difficult. So, if you’re looking for one issue to get involved with this summer that will have the maximum impact, it’s the city’s budget.

Why? Because the budget basically decides which city programs are going to get funded and at what level for the next year. It also impacts what we all pay in property taxes.

Now, if hearing the very word budget makes your eyes glaze over, don’t panic! Here are a few simple things you need to know:

On July 16, the City Manager T.C. Broadnax will present a draft budget proposal to Austin City Council members.

Council members will then spend the next month debating and making changes to that draft budget before approving a final version in mid-August.

The new budget will officially go into effect on Oct. 1.

: This is the annual day-to-day costs of running the city. It includes the funding for all of our city’s enterprise departments, like Austin Water and Austin Energy, which get the bulk of their income from the bills we all pay for using their services. Last year, the city’s operating budget was $6.3 billion.

: This is where most of the debate happens. The general fund makes up about a quarter of the operating budget and includes the budgets of all the city departments that are more heavily funded by property and sales taxes. This includes the police department, parks and recreation, libraries, and the animal center. Last year, the fund was $1.5 billion.

Last year, Austin voters rejected Prop Q, which would have raised property taxes above the state mandated 3.5% cap. This funding would have gone to departments and programs in the city’s general fund. After it was rejected, cuts were made to many of the city’s social service contracts.

City staff have projected additional cuts to social services in the forthcoming budget draft proposal, which has already stirred up a lot of concern among council members and the community. You can expect social services funding to be a major component of budget discussions this summer.

The budget isn’t the only major decision city council members will make this summer. They’ll also decide whether or not to call for a bond election in November. A bond is like a loan, but for the city. It’s one of the main ways the city funds big capital projects like new parks, sidewalks, or affordable housing. It’s paid for via a property tax increase, so all of us get to vote on it.

After the draft budget is released, every council member will host a town hall meeting in their district. 

A full schedule for those events will be posted here

An Austinite’s Guide to the City’s Budget

An election is right around the corner and if you’re not sure if you need to get into a voting booth, this is the guide for you:

Texans chose who the Democratic and Republic nominees would be for a number of races during the primaries on March 3. But not all were decided — some were too close to call and moved into a runoff.

On May 26, voters will decide the Democratic nominee for Texas governor, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, and the Republican and Democratic nominees for Texas lieutenant governor, among others.

Early voting is currently underway and ends Friday at 7 p.m. Travis County residents can vote anywhere with a “Vote here/aqui” sign out front. For a list of early voting locations, 

Tuesday is your last chance to vote in the runoff election. Voting runs 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Travis County residents can vote anywhere with a “Vote here/aqui” sign. For a list of Election Day voting locations, 

The runoff is still a primary election, which means you can only vote for one party’s candidates. The party you voted for in March is the party you’ll vote for this time around. If you didn't vote in the March primary you can still cast a ballot in the runoff but must choose a party.

Now, you don’t want to go into the voting booth unprepared, especially because 

 are at stake. Take a couple minutes to look up what will be on your ballot 

using the Travis County Clerk’s website

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is hoping to unseat John Cornyn as one of the state’s two U.S. senators, a position Cornyn has held for more than two decades. Cornyn and Paxton are both vying to be the state’s Republican nominee for U.S. Senate.

President Donald Trump endorsed Paxton earlier this week, 

The winner will face Democratic nominee James Talarico in November.

Do You Need To Vote in Texas’ Runoff Election? Your Guide to May 26.

 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

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 