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.

Check out seven events for locals to attend in Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs happening in August and early September. Activities include Bat Fest, Brisketfest 2026, Austin Pride festival and parade and more. 

This list is not comprehensive, and all events are subject to change. 

Float and Flick
The city of Dripping Springs welcomes residents to its final Float and Flick event of the season at Founders Memorial Pool. Attendees can pack a towel and swimsuit for a poolside showing of “Princess and the Frog.” Princess Tiana will also make an appearance at the pool, hosting a meet and greet from 7:15-8:15 p.m.

• Aug. 7, 7:15-10 p.m.
• 419 Founders Park Road, Unit A, Dripping Springs

• Aug. 30, 3-5:30 p.m.
• 14510 Fitzhugh Road, Ste. 600, Austin

A new arena football team is slated to make the Austin area its home, beginning its first season in spring 2027 as a member of the Indoor Football League, or IFL, team owner Vivi Lin told Community Impact. The team, which will be known as the ATX Draft, is “seriously considering” establishing its base of operations at the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park, Lin said.

The details: The team is in talks with the H-E-B Center and has received strong support from local leaders, including Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin and Chief Economic Development Officer Arthur Jackson, Lin said. She added that the team will focus on community engagement and aims to give fans more access than a typical professional sports team.

“We designed a lot of our resources and impact in the community to strengthen the families, develop leaders, create economic opportunities for local businesses and ultimately just to serve the Greater Austin community,” Lin said.

What's next: The team will share more details at a media launch event Aug. 5, Lin said.

Check out some top trending stories from the Austin area July 13-16. 

1. New Austin-area professional arena football team set to kick off in 2027

2. Check out 3 stories coming out of Hays County school districts

3. Round Rock Burger King to get $300K remodel

4. New $2.2B Cedar Creek data center project, abatements under review

5. Pharmaceutical venture announces $500M expansion in Northwest Austin

6. New Braunfels City Council appoints new acting city attorney

Gov. Greg Abbott named Robert S. Howden, one of his senior advisers and his office's legislative director, as Texas' 116th secretary of state effective July 18. Howden will succeed Secretary of State Jane Nelson, who resigned effective July 17 more than three years after she took office.

As the state's chief elections officer, Howden will be responsible for overseeing the application of Texas election laws and assisting local election officials. The secretary of state's office also manages business records, government rules and regulations, and other official duties.

Following Abbott's appointment, Howden must be confirmed for the position by at least two-thirds of the Texas Senate. The state Legislature's next regular session will begin in January.