Environmental Commission hears briefing on 2026 bond election

The Watershed Protection Department would need an estimated $2 billion to solve the city’s most severe watershed problems and other critical needs. A bond package expected to go before voters in 2026 would cover a portion of those costs, if approved. 

While the work of the 22-member Bond Election Advisory Task Force is still in its early stages, department staff members are briefing various boards and commissions on the preliminary details of the work involved in building a comprehensive bond package. 

The Environmental Commission last week heard a rundown of the guiding principles and technical criteria the watershed department is using to help prioritize a list of the projects that could be included in the proposed bond program.

“The worst watershed problems are considered first for solution,” said Kelly Gagnon, a WPD planner, noting that this determination is informed by the department’s strategic plan, which is currently undergoing an update. 

Gagnon said she wasn’t able to speak on specific projects or programs under consideration for the bond package since they are still being evaluated. In any case, the department’s share of any bond funding will go toward open space acquisition and drainage and stormwater projects. 

“We want to prioritize bond programs and projects that improve quality-of-life outcomes for all residents, eliminate racial disparities and mitigate unintended consequences in plans and implementation,” Gagnon told the commission. 

“A term that we’ve learned from the Equity Office is that equity isn’t just what you do but how you do it,” she added. 

On that score, she noted that the department is sensitive to the fact that large-scale improvements to communities can potentially lead to gentrification and displacement of existing residents.

“Are we contributing to gentrification with large infrastructure investments in a neighborhood?” Gagnon asked rhetorically. “It is extremely complex.”

Commissioner Dave Sullivan, who serves on the 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force, cautioned fellow commissioners against setting their expectations too high because other city departments also have billions of dollars worth of unmet needs. 

More likely, he said, “We’re going to be someplace in the $1 billion area for the bond election in 2026.”

Gagnon said she expects to return to the Environmental Commission in July with more details on projects to be recommended for inclusion in the bond package.

The Austin Monitor’s work is made possible by donations from the community. Though our reporting covers donors from time to time, we are careful to keep business and editorial efforts separate while maintaining transparency. A complete list of donors is available here, and our code of ethics is explained here.