Austin leaders are reviewing the city's proposed $6.63 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27, a nearly 5% larger spending plan that would raise the typical household's costs about $350. City Manager T.C. Broadnax framed the budget, which includes millions of dollars in cuts to Austin's social services grants, as maintaining long-term fiscal stability while withstanding local revenue challenges.

The draft FY 2026-27 budget is about $301 million larger than the current $6.32 billion spending plan. It includes a $1.54 billion general fund largely backed by tax collections that supports many community services, from parks and libraries to public safety and social programs.

The proposed tax rate is the maximum allowed under state law, a more than 10% increase. That change would add $174 to the typical annual property tax bill, based on Austin's projected median homestead value of $484,907 next year—down $10,000 from this year's median of $494,803.

The next in a series of public meetings covering budget details will be held July 22.

Community members will be able to provide feedback on CapMetro's proposed fare increases, the first for the agency since 2015.

The update: The agency is proposing a phased approach to implementing the new fares:

• Local Service: $1.25 (current), $1.50 (January 2027), $2.00 (January 2029)
• Pickup Service: $1.25 (current), $1.50 (January 2027), $2.00 (January 2029)
• Commuter Service: $3.50 (current), $4.00 (January 2027), $5.00 (January 2029)
• CapMetro Access Service: $1.75 (current), $2.25 (January 2027), $3.25 (January 2029)

• Routes 10, 325, 339: July 30 at the Goodwill Career & Technical Academy
• Routes 325, 466, Pickup Walnut Creek: Aug. 6 at ACC Northridge
• Routes 310, 311, 350: Aug. 18 at ACC Riverside 
• Routes 3, 311: Aug. 19 at ACC South Austin 

Connor and Espoir Michalek carved out a wellness space in North Austin, providing fitness, recovery and coworking resources under one roof. At Gevity, members can expect to find offerings rooted in community, Espoir Michalek said.

“I don't believe that we're meant to be sitting behind a desk for six to eight hours every day,” Espoir Michalek said. “We're humans—we're meant to create, to move, to be with other humans.”

The backstory: After being laid off from his job in 2022, Connor Michalek traveled the world—seeing 27 countries in 11 months. Two months into traveling, he met Espoir in the south of Spain. Espoir Michalek was raised around fitness and wellness, as her parents owned one of the oldest gyms in Vienna. 

What they offer: The entrepreneurs quickly began collaborating to shape Gevity, Austin’s membership-based hub for comprehensive wellness and performance. Gevity’s house membership, totaling $360 per month, has three pillars: wellness, workspace, and connection and experience.

• 104 E. Highland Mall Blvd., Ste. 125, Austin