Austin ISD officials shared some preliminary reductions that may be made to the fiscal year 2026-27 budget May 5. The proposed reductions come as the district faces a budget shortfall that has grown to $181 million for FY 2026-27.

The breakdown: As of May 5, AISD officials have identified $73.8 million in reductions to central and department budgets. This will include eliminating vacancies. Staff anticipates $45 million in revenue from real estate monetization, according to district documents. District officials have identified $33.9 million in proposed reductions to campus budgets. This will likely include new student-to-teacher ratios and increased class sizes at some campuses, updated special education and bilingual stipend criteria, and changes to technology, including software transitions.

Going forward: Community members will have the chance to engage with district staff regarding the budget process May 9 at 11 a.m. virtually.

Pushing to sustain local growth in a "new fiscal and competitive reality," City Council voted to craft economic development policies aimed at recruiting new investment and major projects, attracting more international attention and supporting local businesses.

The details: Officials passed a resolution from Mayor Kirk Watson on May 7 that kicks off the creation of what he called an "active, progressive" civic economic development playbook. The council directive was based on an overview of Austin's current situation and proposals for future economic opportunities, including public benefits.

The May vote launches a monthslong process to draft the city's new policies. They'll feature an inventory of Austin's existing economic tools, analysis of recruitment priorities, a small business development program, a focus on international partnerships and more.

The plan drew support from Austin's business community, and concerns from dozens of residents who opposed civic support for certain types of businesses tied to the military or artificial intelligence. References to those sectors were removed from council's approved resolution.

Chi'Lantro, a Korean and Tex-Mex fusion restaurant, closed its location on Burnet Road effective April 30, according to the founder, Jae Kim.

The details: The location was Chi'Lantro’s second brick and mortar, Kim said, which opened in 2015. The team closed the location because they couldn’t find a long-term sustainable plan. The rent price at Chi'Lantro’s Burnet location was set to increase more than 30% upon renewal, Kim shared. 

“[These] are never easy decisions, especially when so much history is tied to a space,” Kim said. 

• Closed April 30

• 5222 Burnet Road, Austin

For the first time in over a decade, there is no incumbent in the Texas attorney general's race as Republican Ken Paxton runs for U.S. Senate. Candidates on both sides of the aisle will compete in runoff elections May 26 after no candidate received more than 50% of the vote in the March 3 primaries.

State Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy of Austin are each seeking the Republican nomination for the seat.

The overview: Middleton and Roy were the two highest-performing candidates in a four-person primary race. The winner of the May 26 overtime round will face the Democratic nominee and potential third-party candidates in November.

The context: The attorney general serves as Texas' top lawyer, defending the state in court, filing consumer protection lawsuits and issuing opinions interpreting state law. The agency also enforces Texas' child support laws, investigates human trafficking cases and manages access to public records.

At the polls: Texans can vote early May 18-22 and runoff election day is May 26.

For the first time in over a decade, there is no incumbent in the Texas attorney general's race as Republican Ken Paxton runs for U.S. Senate. Candidates on both sides of the aisle will compete in runoff elections May 26 after no candidate received more than 50% of the vote in the March 3 primaries.

State Sen. Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, and former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski are vying for the Democratic nomination.

The overview: In a three-way primary race, Johnson secured 48% of the vote while Jaworski received 26% of the vote. The winner of the May 26 overtime round will face the Republican nominee and potential third-party candidates in November.

The context: The attorney general serves as Texas' top lawyer, defending the state in court, filing consumer protection lawsuits and issuing opinions interpreting state law. The agency also enforces Texas' child support laws, investigates human trafficking cases and manages access to public records.

At the polls: Texans can vote early from May 18-22 and runoff election day is May 26.