Austin Staff Recommends Delaying Bond Election to 2028

City staff in Austin have recommended delaying a proposed 2026 bond election to 2028, due to city financial rules and more than $1 billion in unissued bond funds from projects dating back to 2006. The recommendation comes amid a budget crunch, with several areas identified where earlier bond funding has been mostly spent and more money may be needed, including transportation projects, watershed protection, and parks. The recommendation follows a process proposed by Mayor Kirk Watson to decide when a bond election is needed. The City Council will vote on the issue by the end of the month. Austin American-Statesman