In January, we published our first overview of Austin’s 2026 General Obligation Bond process and explained why a robust parks bond is long overdue. A lot has happened since then: The Bond Election Advisory Task Force (BEATF) completed its recommendation to City Council on May 4th. City Council is now in the driver’s seat and the window to advocate for parks funding is right now. Here’s what you need to know…
A Quick Recap: Why this matters
As we outlined in our earlier post, Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department has historically relied on a six-year bond cycle to fund capital improvements. This bond money goes directly to upgrade aging facilities, and building new parks and facilities in order to ensure their accessibility to all Austinites. The last Parks Bond was in 2018. By the time voters weigh in this November, it will have been eight years.
The parks department has fully spent and committed every dollar from that 2018 bond cycle, but the city’s park system has over $1.8 billion in identified needs. Without this bond funding, those needs will continue to accumulate and risk closure for some of our beloved facilities.
What the Parks Board and APF recommended
The Austin Parks and Recreation Board’s $250 million bond recommendation identifies five critical areas of investment needed to enhance, preserve and expand Austin’s park system. These priority areas include funding for:
- Building, Recreation & Senior Center Improvements: $65M
- Funding for renovations/rehabilitation and additions to existing facilities, recreation and senior centers.
- Parkland Acquisition: $50M
- Funding for the acquisition of land, such as infill parks in park-deficient areas, greenbelts and greenways for increased trail connectivity, and destination parks.
- Parkland Infrastructure: $25M
- Funding for improvements to playscapes, trails, parking lots, roadways, athletic fields and facilities, and golf facilities.
- Aquatics: $65M
- Funding for major renovations or replacements of existing city pools.
- Parkland Improvements: $45M
- Funding for development of existing city parks, including neighborhood parks, district parks, metro parks and greenbelts.
What the Bond Advisory Task Force (BEATF) Decided
BEATF, the 22-member body appointed by City Council to shape this bond, concluded its work on May 4th after over 18 months of deliberation. In the end, they advanced two bond proposals to the city council for consideration:
The Task Force also passed a set of bond policies for City Council’s consideration, including greater transparency on project costs and tax impacts, affordability analysis and a “contract with voters” to outline exactly what the bond will deliver.
Where the Parks allocation fell short and why we’re still advocating
While the BEATF recommendation fell short of what our parks asked for, it does not diminish the need for our aging facilities and dynamic population. City Council will weigh the BEATF’s recommendations throughout May and vote on whether to place a bond on the November 2026 ballot. This is the moment when our collective voices carry the most weight. Our parks are long overdue for funding, and our parks, pollinators, and people cannot wait any longer. Council members need to hear that Austin’s residents expect parks to be fully funded.
Update as of the week of May 18-22:
City Council has heavily considered extending the timeline for making General Obligation Bond allocation decisions. At the May 28 meeting, Council is now expected to review financial policies that will determine which departments are eligible to receive bond funding and establish a broader timeline for the bond process, with final allocation discussions currently estimated to continue through late July.
While the timeline has shifted, public input remains incredibly important. Community members are still encouraged to participate in the May 28 City Council meeting and continue advocating for meaningful parks funding throughout the summer as Council works toward a final bond package.
What comes next?
- May 9-28: City Council Reviews – City Council reviews bond policies, funding eligibility, and department allocations — your voice matters most during this process
- May 28: Provide Public Comment at City Hall – parks advocates are encouraged to participate as Council discusses bond framework and financial policies
- June-July 2026 (est.): City Council finalizes bond allocation discussions.
- August 2026: City Council votes on final bond package
- November 2026: Bond election – Austin voters decide
*Agenda items and timelines may continue to shift as Council deliberations progress.*
Take action NOW!
As Council continues deliberations on the bond package this summer, here are three ways to make your voice heard.
- Email or call your Council Member. A personal message from a constituent carries real weight. Find your district at austintexas.gov/GIS/CouncilDistrictMap.
- Spread the word. The more park advocates who speak out or show up, the stronger our collective voice. Forward this to a neighbor, a parent and a friend who loves Austin’s parks.
- Speak at City Council: May 21st or May 28th at 9:00 AM, Austin City Hall (301 W. 2nd St). First-time speakers: a group of fellow advocates will be there to support you. Sign up to speak at austintexas.gov/department/public-participation-council-meetings. and download the advocacy script to use at City Council meeting.
We will continue to update this blog as the month progresses. Thank you for standing up for Austins parks. To stay up to date on all things park advocacy, sign up for our newsletter. Be sure to select “interested in park advocacy” when signing up!