Months after questions over City Hall spending led two Austin officials to reimburse taxpayers for thousands of dollars in meals, the city has begun implementing new oversight measures aimed at increasing transparency and accountability for officials’ spending. The City Council approved the expense policy in January, directing the city manager to provide training for elected officials and staff, designate a City Council liaison, and publish annual reports detailing council spending on the city’s website.
A progress memo sent to the mayor and council outlined the steps the city has taken so far. The assistant to the city manager was designated as the interim City Council liaison and will pilot the role to determine whether a full-time position is necessary. Training materials were updated and council staff was trained in March, with refresher sessions offered twice a year beginning in 2027.
The mayor and City Council now receive monthly budget and city credit card reports. Austin’s Financial Services Department is working to publish all city purchasing card transactions each month through the city’s data portal. The city expects to produce an annual report detailing mayor and council spending and post it on the city’s website.
The policy emerged amid growing scrutiny of city spending during a period of budget shortfalls and taxpayer frustration over rising costs. The city is currently projecting a $25 million shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year. Despite similar financial challenges last year, council members approved increases to some of their own budgets, with each receiving a base budget of $898,000 for Fiscal Year 2026.
The new expense policy originated in the council’s Audit and Finance Committee before going to the full City Council in late January. Although significantly watered down from its original form, the council ultimately approved the policy.