Budget Overview

City Budget Overview

The Budget Development Process

The City of Austin is committed to an inclusive and transparent budget development process that utilizes resident and stakeholder feedback to ensure budget priorities are being met. Each year, the City prepares a https://www.austintexas.gov/page/city-budget that balances community priorities, operational needs, legal mandates, and available revenue. The process includes financial forecasting, departmental proposals, community engagement, and review by the City Manager before a proposed budget is presented to City Council. 

Community Input Matters

Feedback from residents helps highlight service needs, priorities, and opportunities across Austin. Input gathered through community conversations, surveys, Boards & Commissions, and other engagement tools is reviewed alongside financial and operational data to help guide City leadership in the budget development process.

FY 2026-27 Budget Adoption Timeline

 
July 16
FY 2026‑27 Proposed Budget Presentation
 
July 22
Public Comment
 
July 28
Council Work Session
 
July 30
Public Hearing & Set Maximum Tax Rate
 
August 4
(Tentative Meeting)
 
August 6
Public Hearing for 2026 Bond
 
August 12–14
Budget Adoption

To sign up to speak at one of the City Council budget meetings, you must register in advance with the City Clerk's Office. Click here for information on how to register by phone, in person, or online.

July 22, 2026 — Budget Meeting of the Austin City Council
Speaker registration for the July 22, 2026, Austin City Council Budget Meeting will open Friday, July 17, at 5:00 PM.

We want to hear from you!

Austin Budget Survey: Share Your Input

The City of Austin invited community members to share their budget priorities for the upcoming year through a citywide survey. The survey results will be shared with City leadership, along with the City's FY 2026-2027 Proposed Budget, to help guide decisions on the final approved budget.

 

The survey is now closed.