A Travis County judge on Friday sided with the City of Austin in a lawsuit challenging its construction of the new convention center.

AUSTIN, Texas — A Travis County judge on Friday sided with the City of Austin in a lawsuit challenging its construction of the new convention center. 

The lawsuit, filed by the Austin United Political Action Committee, argued that Austin voters should have a say in the future of the convention center property. It also claimed the city clerk unlawfully rejected petition signatures to place the issue on the May ballot.

The judge ruled the city did not act unlawfully.

Natalie Crowe, an organizer with the Austin United PAC, told KVUE the group’s legal team is reviewing its options to challenge the decision.

The new convention center carries an estimated $1.6 billion price tag. Crews began demolishing the old facility in May 2025, and the replacement is scheduled to open in 2029.

KVUE has reached out to the mayor’s office for comment and will update this story once we hear back.