Staff lays out public engagement plans for 2026 bond proposal

The city of Austin’s Bond Election Advisory Task Force has begun laying the groundwork for public engagement efforts for the proposed 2026 bond package. The engagement plan, presented during a recent task force meeting, emphasizes inclusive, multilingual outreach and a variety of strategies to connect with Austin’s diverse communities. Led by the Communications and Public Information Office (CPIO), the engagement process will include event tabling at community gatherings, neighborhood association meetings, church events and other accessible locations. Additionally, four town hall meetings are required under a City Council resolution to solicit input on proposed projects and to collect ideas for additional bond priorities. CPIO Chief Jessica King underscored the importance of meeting residents “where they are” and tailoring outreach strategies to overcome barriers such as language, transportation and time constraints. Digital engagement will play a major role, with tools like online surveys, interactive content through the Speak Up Austin platform and social media campaigns. The engagement schedule calls for a road map and decision on outreach tools to be decided in February and March. In April and May the process will begin, with data analysis taking place in June. The four town hall events will take place in August, with a comprehensive report scheduled for release next spring.