This page explains how the City of Austin creates, manages, and allocates its annual budget. The budget determines how public funds are spent on services such as public safety, transportation, utilities, housing, parks, and long-term infrastructure projects. Austin’s budget process is transparent and includes multiple opportunities for public input.
What the Budget Does
The city budget outlines how Austin collects revenue and how those funds are distributed across departments and programs. It reflects the city’s priorities and long-term goals.
Key functions of the budget include:
- Funding essential city services
- Supporting public safety and emergency response
- Maintaining infrastructure and utilities
- Investing in transportation and mobility
- Supporting housing and community programs
- Planning for long-term growth
General Fund
The General Fund is the portion of the budget that supports core services such as police, fire, EMS, parks, libraries, and public health. It is funded primarily through property taxes, sales taxes, and fees.
- Public Safety
- Parks and Recreation
- Libraries
- Public Health
- General Government
Enterprise Departments
Some city services operate like independent utilities and generate their own revenue. These departments are funded through customer payments rather than taxes.
- Austin Energy
- Austin Water
- Austin Resource Recovery
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Where the Money Comes From
Austin’s revenue comes from a mix of taxes, fees, and service charges. The largest sources include:
- Property taxes
- Sales taxes
- Utility payments
- Service fees
- Permits and licenses
- Federal and state grants
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Where the Money Goes
Spending is allocated across departments based on community needs, Council priorities, and long-term planning goals.
- Public safety
- Infrastructure and transportation
- Utilities and environmental services
- Parks and cultural programs
- Housing and community development
- Administrative services
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The Budget Process
Austin’s budget is developed through a multi-step process that includes analysis by city staff, public engagement, and approval by the City Council.
- City Manager proposes a draft budget
- Departments submit funding requests
- Public hearings and community input
- City Council deliberates and amends
- Final budget adopted by Council
Public Participation
Residents can participate in the budget process by attending public hearings, submitting comments, or engaging with Council offices. Community feedback plays a significant role in shaping funding priorities.
Data Sources
- City of Austin Budget Office
- City of Austin Open Budget Dashboard
- City Manager’s Proposed Budget
- Adopted Budget Documents