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What Austin voters need to know about 10 ballot propositions, from bonds to charter changes

Austin voters will consider 10 ballot propositions in this fall's election.

The ballot features two bond measures:

  • Proposition A, a $260 million parks bond to fund buildings, park improvements, aquatics facilities, parkland acquisition and parks infrastructure

  • Proposition B, a $35 million libraries bond to fund improvements at the Hampton Branch at Oak Hill and a future Colony Park branch

The other eight propositions would amend Austin's charter:

  • Proposition C, clarifying the independence of the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission

  • Proposition D, removing a requirement for City Council to hold weekly meetings

  • Proposition E, removing a requirement for City Council to set its rules via ordinance

  • Proposition F, clarifying the timing of campaign finance limits

  • Proposition G, requiring resident petition and charter amendment elections to be held on the next available November election date in an even-numbered year

  • Proposition H, giving City Council authority to hire and fire the city attorney

  • Proposition I, a Save Austin Now proposal to mandate a recurring Independent Affordability and Efficiency Initiative

  • Proposition J, updating "non-substantive" charter language

 
Community Impact Requester - HOUSE ADS
Market Story
New East Austin hotel Bohème to open late October

A new boutique hotel at 400 Comal St. is set to welcome its first overnight guests Oct. 22, with a rooftop bar and a grand opening event on Nov. 5, owner and founder Walker L. Molinare said.

What you need to know: Bohème has 20 rooms in a former apartment building near downtown, according to a news release from developer Elysian Real Estate Group.

The hotel was first slated to open Oct. 1, but inspection delays pushed back its timeline, Molinare said in an email to Community Impact. Guests can choose from 14 standard rooms and six signature suites, according to the release.

Mark your calendar: The hotel will host a grand opening event the evening of Nov. 5, when its rooftop bar, Higher Spirits, officially opens, Molinare said. Molinare said the hotel is looking forward to welcoming the East Austin community into the space.

 
Mark Your Calendar
Austin’s Roots and Wings Festival returns with over 100 events

The 2026 Roots and Wings Festival runs from Oct. 17 through Nov. 1, featuring more than 100 events across Austin to promote environmental education and celebration.

The history: The festival began in 2018 to combine Arbor Day and Monarch Appreciation Day celebrations. Since its inception, the festival has held 716 total events, drawn over 67,850 attendees and resulted in more than 7,250 trees being planted, tended to or gifted.

More details: The festival features family-friendly and adult-only events, including:

  • Austin EcoFest on Oct. 17
  • Nature Festival and Spooktacular! on Oct. 24
  • Fluorescent Forest! on Oct. 29
  • Dottie Jordan Nature Festival on Nov. 1

What to expect: Nearly all events are free, though activities at Zilker Botanical Garden require an admission fee ranging from $3-$8. This year, the festival partnered with the Austin Climate Action and Resilience Office to expand its vision and improve its website.

 

What's ahead for Austin-area public schools and the issues lawmakers will tackle in 2027

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Metro News Monday
Road projects, golf, business updates: 6 trending Austin-area stories

Check out some of the most-read stories from the Austin area Oct. 12-16.

  1. Williamson County breaks ground on new phase of Ronald Reagan Boulevard

  2. Miniature golf, live music returning to former Back 9 Bar space

  3. From major store openings to closings: Check out 11 San Marcos business updates

  4. Check out the latest Loop 360 updates

  5. Patel Brothers grocery store now open in Cedar Park

  6. Austin, UT announce deal to preserve Muny

 

Your local team

Elle Bent
Editor

Krista Box
General Manager

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