The proposal by five council members calls for using $4.7 million in new revenue from revised property tax certifications.
AUSTIN, Texas — With just over a week before Austin City Council votes on the city’s proposed $6.6 billion budget, several council members are pushing to restore millions of dollars in funding for social service programs that had been slated for cuts.
City leaders learned they have an additional $4.7 million available after receiving the final property tax roll, giving council members more flexibility as they finalize the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
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During a budget workshop Monday, community members once again urged the city to preserve funding for nonprofit organizations facing reductions, including Mexic-Arte Museum, Con Mi MADRE and Meals on Wheels. Supporters said those organizations provide critical services ranging from youth development to food assistance and housing support.
Mayor Kirk Watson proposed using a one-time appropriation to continue funding organizations that serve children and families while the city conducts a closer review of its social service contracts.
“It’s not a blanket reauthorization. It is also not a blanket reduction or cuts,” Watson said. “It is a more, in my view, more methodical, thoughtful approach.”
Watson said the city should evaluate each contract using audits and performance standards before deciding whether future funding should continue.
Council Member Ryan Alter offered a different proposal, suggesting the additional $4.7 million be used to help close a funding gap for local housing vouchers. Alter argued that doing so would free up money in other housing-related funds that could then be redirected to social service programs.
Austin City Council is scheduled to hold one more budget meeting Thursday before taking a final vote on the proposed budget next week.