Austin City Council approves $5.9B budget for 2024-25

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin City Council has approved a budget of $5.9 billion for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

The plan was initially released back in July by city manager T.C. Broadnax. 

"Austin’s 2024-2025 budget is a strategic blueprint that balances the city’s immediate needs with long-term vision, prioritizing investments that reflect the values and aspirations of our community," Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax said. "By focusing on sustainability, equity and resilience, we are committed to ensuring that Austin remains a livable and welcoming city for all."

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The budget property tax rate will increase. The typical Austin homeowner should see an increase of about $188 to their property tax bill each year.

The city's rates and fees for electric, trash service, water and transportation user fees are also going up. It's in response to rising operations costs and more demand for services from a growing population.

Here is a look at the budget highlights:

• $3.6 million for the "I Belong Austin" tenant stabilization and eviction assistance program.
• $121.2 million in planned capital spending for design and construction of voter-approved long-term affordable housing projects.
• $2.7 million in one-time funding, as well as $440,000 in ongoing funding, across several City departments to support  Austin Civilian Conservation Corps  programming.
• $2.6 million in personnel and equipment costs, including funding for 28 sworn positions, for the Canyon Creek Fire/EMS Station, scheduled to open January 2025.
• $2.2 million in planned capital spending for projects that stabilize, preserve and enhance the African American Cultural Heritage District, Red River Cultural District, 5th Street Mexican Heritage Corridor, and East Cesar Chavez District.
• $506,000 for an additional street repair team to improve the condition of the city's street network.
•  $463,000, including additional personnel, to investigate complaints of criminal illegal dumping. 
• Six staff positions and funding to open and operate the new Colony Park District pool, the rebuilt Givens pool, and the expanded Mexican American Cultural Center.
• $425,000 increase in funding for food, medical supplies, and facility maintenance at the Austin Animal Center and $30,000 one-time funding for animal boarding services to address capacity concerns.
• Nearly $200,000 to implement a new website tool for accurate, culturally competent translation in many languages on the City of Austin website. 

The new budget will go into effect in October.

Some city council members released statements after the budget approval: