ATX-SWA: Impact 4/9/2026

Good Morning, Southwest Austin & Dripping Springs!

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Austin ISD weighs $117M-plus in cuts as budget shortfall climbs to $181M

Austin ISD is anticipating making more than $100 million in budget cuts to staffing, academic programs and other operational expenses across campuses and departments.

The sweeping cuts come as the district aims to reduce a mounting budget shortfall that has grown to $181 million for fiscal year 2026-27.

What they're saying: "We're at a point now ... where we're no longer able to protect those cuts from impacting our classrooms," Superintendent Matias Segura told reporters after an April 7 budget work session.

What’s happening: To reduce expenses, district officials discussed four scenarios that could involve making anywhere from $117 million-$132 million in budget cuts. Additionally, the district may save $9 million-$10 million by removing vacant positions and receive $50 million from monetizing three district properties, Chief Financial Officer Katrina Montgomery said.

The proposed strategies could lower the projected budget shortfall from $181 million to $4 million or produce a $9 million-$11 million surplus.

The cuts could include letting go of current staff members and eliminating stipends, Segura said.

CI Business

Goodnight Loving Vodka moves HQ, production to Dripping Springs

Goodnight Loving Vodka will replace Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room off Hwy. 290.

What’s happening: Goodnight Loving Vodka will move into the space in August, which will serve as their headquarters, production line, offices and tasting room.

2250 Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs

See more details.

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

Kyle Market Days: Spring Celebration

ABC Kite Fest

April 11, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Kyle

April 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Austin

More info

Cedar Fest

Books and Bees Festival

April 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cedar Park

April 11, 1-5 p.m.
Bee Cave

More info

To submit your own event, click here.

Before You Go

Burn ban lifted in unincorporated Travis County after early April showers

Travis County officials have lifted a burn ban for unincorporated areas of Travis County that began in February.

Recent rainfall over the weekend of April 3-5 along with additional rain forecasted in the coming days is expected to improve moisture levels and reduce the threat of wildfires, according to county information.

What you need to know: While outdoor burning is now allowed in unincorporated areas, residents should use caution and be aware of fire conditions, according to county information. County officials suggest keeping a fire extinguisher or water nearby while burning.

Before conducting outdoor burning, residents are expected to contact their local fire department and receive any necessary permits. Residents should call 911 if a fire becomes uncontrolled.

What they're saying: “Recent rainfall has significantly improved conditions across Travis County, and with more rain in the forecast, I am cautiously optimistic conditions will continue to improve,” Travis County Fire Marshal Gary Howell said in a news release.

Stay tuned: Residents can receive burn ban status updates by texting TCBURNBAN to 888777.

Learn more.

Your local team

Darcy Sprague
Managing Editor

Heather Demere
General Manager

Email [email protected] for story ideas, tips or questions.

Good Morning, Southwest Austin & Dripping Springs!

Your local team

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