Austin voters will consider two bond measures in the November election. Proposition A features $260 million for a variety of park improvements and system expansions, and $35 million for two library branch projects is included under Proposition B.

Extensive bond development eventually narrowed this summer to focus on parks and libraries. Proposition A would fund more than two dozen projects to build and improve specific trails, recreation centers, pools, playgrounds and other public facilities. Funds would also be applied citywide to acquire green space, build electrical infrastructure and improve community gardens.

The cost: Bond costs are incurred over time as debt is issued. If both propositions pass, the city expects to issue about $49 million annually from 2027-32.

Residents’ tax bills fund both city operations and debt service that pays for bonds. Debt service taxes for the typical homeowner reached more than $500 this year, and now take up just over 23% of their overall city property tax bill.

Travis County is asking for resident feedback to help shape the new RGK Ranch Park and the extension of Reimers Ranch Park.

On Oct. 7, the county hosted an open house for the public to provide feedback on potential amenities, access points and other recreation opportunities at RGK Ranch Park and Reimers Ranch.

The overview: RGK Ranch Park, a largely undeveloped 1,500-acre portion of the Kozmetsky Ranch, was acquired by Travis County in 2024 for $90 million from the Kozmetsky family, who had been using the land as a private family retreat for over 50 years.

Potential programming at the new park includes camping, a restored visitor center, an outdoor adventure course, equine facilities/access, a nature and science center, hiking trails, scenic overlooks and mountain biking trails, among other amenities.

What else: In addition to planning for the new RGK Ranch Park, Travis County is also looking for feedback regarding the extension of Reimers Ranch by adding nearly 475 acres of new parkland southeast of the existing park.

Check out the latest transportation project updates across the Austin metro.

Upcoming projects

Centerpoint Road Crossing Overpass

Project: Crews will construct an overpass over the Union Pacific Railroad crossing on Centerpoint Road in San Marcos. The project will feature a widened roadway with a median and shoulders and shared-use paths on both sides.

Update: The project secured a $39.23 million federal award through the Federal Railroad Administration.

• Timeline: 2026-30

• Cost: $52.9 million

• Funding source: Hays County, FRA, UPR

Completed projects

I-35 Capital Express Central: MLK Jr. Boulevard Bridge Segment

Project: The project included reconstruction and widening of the MLK Jr. Boulevard bridge over I-35 in East Austin, adding sidewalks, shade structures, a safety barrier, and rebuilding I-35 entrance and exit ramps in both directions.

Update: The bridge is now fully operational, as two lanes reopened in each direction in early August. Crews are finishing shared-use paths and wider sidewalks this month.

• Timeline: 2024–26

• Cost: $34.4 million

• Funding source: TxDOT and Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Texas comptroller's office is reviewing the finances and spending decisions of four public school districts: Austin, El Paso, Prosper and Barbers Hill ISDs.

The overview: The review was requested by Gov. Greg Abbott in August and will identify whether schools are directing taxpayer dollars toward students, teachers and classrooms over administrative costs, according to information from the two state agencies.

Zooming in: For the 2024-25 school year, the Texas Education Agency gave the selected districts the following financial ratings:

• Austin ISD: B rating; score of 88 (about 69,000 students)

• El Paso ISD: A rating; score of 92 (about 46,000 students)

• Prosper ISD: A rating; score of 94 (about 33,000 students)

• Barbers Hill ISD: A rating; score of 100 (about 8,000 students)

More details: Austin and Prosper ISDs are in Community Impact's coverage areas. According to previous reporting, Austin ISD passed an $887 million general fund budget for fiscal year 2026-27 after making $205 million in gross cuts this summer. Prosper ISD adopted a budget with an expected $42.2 million shortfall.