TWO BIG STORIES THIS MORNING…
Austin City Council Takes Action on Budget…Austin ISD Votes to Close Ten Schools
The Austin City Council unanimously approved a new $6.3 billion budget late Thursday, slashing $95 million
The Austin City Council convened for its regular meeting on Thursday, addressing a packed agenda that included budget adjustments, housing initiatives, major infrastructure contracts, and zoning amendments.
Council unanimously approved the city’s revised budget late Thursday following the defeat of Proposition Q, which would have increased property taxes and provided $110 million in additional funding.
“I believe the budget amendment that we just adopted reveals that we trusted the voters, we heard the voters and we reacted to the voters.” — Austin Mayor Kirk Watson
“Much of the conversation so far has been about where the city can find money for services not currently included in the proposed budget. During work sessions earlier this week, city council identified services they’re unwilling to part with. To add them back, other cuts will need to be made. City staff have proposed options for that — which included slashing some homelessness funding and reducing new funding for parks maintenance — but city council members worried some of those cuts were also from critical services and priorities. — KXAN-TV’s Grace Reader
Earlier this evening, my colleagues and I passed this year's budget and took a step toward restoring trust with you and your neighbors. Now it's time to examine @austintexasgov's expenses line by line, look for savings, and set #austin up for success over the next decade. pic.twitter.com/3G3pW3Urnf
— Marc Duchen (@Marc4AustinD10) November 21, 2025
Here’s a comprehensive look at the key actions taken:
Budget Adjustments and Financial Matters
Several critical budget items were pulled from the consent agenda for further discussion, including amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget to reflect reduced property tax revenues after voters did not approve the initially adopted tax rate. Items 4, 5, and 6—dealing with budget amendments and tax rate adjustments—were all pulled for separate consideration.
In contrast, the Council approved a resolution declaring the City’s intent to reimburse itself $27.6 million from tax-exempt general obligation bonds for the Austin Public Safety Handheld Radio Modernization Project. This significant investment in public safety communications infrastructure was approved on consent.
Homestead Preservation Districts Established
In a major housing initiative, the Council approved ordinances establishing three Homestead Preservation Districts across Austin:
- District B in southeast Austin, bounded by I-35, East Ben White Boulevard, Pleasant Valley Road, and the Colorado River
- District C in north Austin, between I-35, Burnet Road, U.S. Highway 290, and Kramer/Rundberg Lanes
- District D in West Campus, covering the area between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and West 29th Street
These districts aim to preserve affordable housing and protect long-time residents from displacement. The Council also extended the term of Homestead Preservation Reinvestment Zone No. 1 by 10 years and increased the City’s tax increment contribution from 20% to 40%.
Major Infrastructure Investments
The Council authorized numerous significant infrastructure contracts, including:
Technology and Public Safety:
- A $30.6 million contract with Motorola Solutions for critical maintenance and technical support for the Greater Austin Travis County Regional Radio System
- An $86 million contract for subscriber hardware and infrastructure equipment to support public safety radio communications
- A $27.6 million appropriation for the Austin Public Safety handheld radio modernization project
Water and Transportation:
- $6.9 million for the Cargo Avenue Reconstruction and Waterline Relocation Project
- $4.15 million for the Northwest Area Lift Station Improvements
- $12 million in additional engineering services for the Center Street Pump Station Replacement
Energy:
- $38.3 million divided among three contractors for security fencing-related products and services for Austin Energy
Firefighter Agreement Withdrawn
Items 48, 49, and 50—relating to a four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Austin Firefighters Association—were withdrawn from consideration. The agreement would have provided $5.66 million for wages, benefits, work schedule revisions, and 22 additional positions.
Council, it is not ok for the City to falsely accuse the firefighters of the very thing that City is actual guilty of…and allow it to happen. Vote YES on the firefighter contract and put a stop to the BS pic.twitter.com/SAJsFruwXZ
— Austin Firefighters Association (@AFA975) November 20, 2025
The city also had to cut additional dollars that would have gone to emergency rental assistance and additional needs for EMS.
Underfunding EMS by $2 million isn't putting public safety first. The budget as proposed will lead to more ambulance shutdowns, reduction of services, and increased workload on our medics. @KirkPWatson@austintexasgov
— Austin EMS Association (@AustinEMSAssoc) November 20, 2025
Arts and Economic Development
The Council approved $190,000 in additional funding for artist Reginald C. Adams for artwork at the Longhorn Dam Multimodal Improvements project, bringing the total contract to $380,000.
Economic development incentives were also approved for local businesses, including Place-Based Enhancement Program agreements with Balance Dance Studios ($547,623) and The Hideout ($163,341).
Zoning and Development
Several zoning cases were postponed to December 11, 2025, including the Montopolis-Fairway Mixed Use project and the Airport Boulevard rezoning. However, the Council did approve:
- A historic rezoning for the Malcolm and Margaret Badger Reed House at 1712 Rio Grande Street
- A rezoning at 1430 Collier Street for vertical mixed-use development
- Third reading approval for the 2406 Rosewood Avenue neighborhood plan amendment and related rezoning
This item was postponed again by City Council. It's next up for the 12/11 meeting. I don't know why this is getting postponed. Re-zoning cases near the Domain have been passing with no issues the past couple years. https://t.co/LM04FOYyul
— The ATX (@TheATX1) November 20, 2025
Real Estate and Facilities
The Council authorized multiple property acquisitions, including a $535,000 purchase at 709 Delmar Avenue for Austin Housing and a $777,428 acquisition of sidewalk, trail, and recreational easement at 11201 Parkfield Drive.
Three eminent domain proceedings were approved to acquire electric easements needed for utility relocations related to the I-35 Capital Express Lady Bird Lake Project.
Vacant Positions
A surprise budget amendment – which called for the elimination of some vacant positions across city departments – put forth by the second faction late Thursday briefly derailed the debate, culminating in an hourlong dinnertime recess. When members returned, they agreed to nix the vacant positions savings and roll the proposal into the final spending plan. The measure then passed seamlessly. — Austin American-Statesman
This council meeting is pretty funny
— ATX data (@data_atx) November 21, 2025
The general vibe is:
Councilmembers: we are cutting millions of $, how will our city survive without this?!
City Staff: actually it's fine, these programs were kinda pointless. you probably won't even notice.
I don’t expect dramatic immediate effects until next summer. But by reducing funds for homeless services and not finding new funding to keep pace with the public safety cost structure we have, we are potentially sowing the seeds of public disorder. Abundant safety costs money. https://t.co/KlzLxyLbU5
— Julio Gonzalez Altamirano (@juliogatx) November 21, 2025
Looking Ahead
The Council also approved a resolution to develop policies for financial accountability and transparency in Council offices, including reporting procedures for office holder expenses and purchasing controls.
“City Hall must address its structural deficit and keep its spending under control, or the council will find itself in the same spot this time next year.” — Council member Marc Duchen, adding that he supports an audit aimed at a “hard look at each and every public expense.”
“As much as we all love being here, I wish we weren’t. I fought for Prop Q because it wasn’t just a policy debate, it was a lifeline for many in our community.” — Council member Ryan Alter
“I know that we all support strengthening financial accountability and transparency in our council offices. It’s an important step toward rebuilding public trust.” — Council member Krista Laine
With numerous items postponed to December 11, the Council will have another busy session ahead as it continues to address Austin’s growth and infrastructure needs while balancing fiscal responsibility and community priorities.
For complete details on all agenda items and voting records, visit the City of Austin’s official website.
The Austin school Board of Trustees voted to close two schools Thursday night, significantly changing cross-campus dual language and Montessori programming while launching state-mandated plans aimed at turning around academics in two dozen campuses.
In a meeting that stretched past 2 a.m. on Friday, trustees voted 6-3 to close or move wall-to-wall dual language programming. Trustees Kathryn Whitley Chu, Andrew Gonzales and Fernando de Urioste voted in opposition. Trustees also voted 7-2 for closures of seven campuses that are faced with multiple state-determined F-rating. Trustees Gonzales and de Urioste voted against. — Austin American-Statesman
WATCH THE ENTIRE HEARING AND FINAL VOTE
Starting next fall, Bedichek and Martin middle schools; Barrington, Becker, Dawson, Oak Springs, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley and Widén elementaries; and Winn Montessori School will close. Students from the shuttered schools will be rezoned to nearby campuses The district will also close down International High School, which serves newcomer students. Enrollment at the program has plummeted, Superintendent Matias Segura said. The program, housed at Northeast Early College High School, serves about 90 10th graders but only 10 ninth graders. The board will also shutter three of its four popular across-campus dual language schools. Next year, Odom Elementary will be the only “wall-to-wall” program. — Austin American-Statesman
Opposition to the planned closures and changes was vehemently expressed by faculty, parents and students of the affected schools.
The board approved turnaround plans for 12 campuses that received three consecutive failing or unacceptable grades from the state.
The plans now await approval from the Texas Education Agency, which mandated the plans in September and gave the district a November 21 deadline.
The TEA requires turnaround plans for schools that receive consecutive failing accountability ratings, which are A-F letter grades largely based on standardized test scores. (KUT 90.5)
At least five Austin ISD staff, including a teacher and bus driver, have been detained by ICE, prompting uncertainty and a pay policy review.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Thursday afternoon due to storms in the ATX. The ground stop applied to flights into Austin from parts of West Texas, New Mexico and Arizona before it was lifted late last night.
Severe weather paralyzed travel across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, resulting in over 1,000 delays and cancellations between DFW International and Dallas Love Field on Thursday afternoon.
City crews temporarily repaired a sinkhole on East 10th Street on Thursday after a storm drain pipe failed. (FOX 7 Austin)
Two sinkholes forming downtown Austin. It's happening on 8th and 10th streets between Congress and Brazos @fox7austin pic.twitter.com/EeJZbZ3j3N
— Chris Walker (@WalkerATX) November 20, 2025
Crews and bystanders were surprised by what crawled out of the hole. (KXAN-TV)
Austin Police Department responded to a sensitive situation involving a person in emotional distress in the area of I-35 southbound bridge and Ben White Blvd Thursday.
Help is available. Speak with someone today.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Languages: English, Spanish
Hours: 24/7
Travis County authorities battled a trash fire in Manor on Bois D Arc Road.
The cause of the fire was due to an illegal burn that got out of control.
Crews remained on scene overnight.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson withdrew the city’s request to explore the feasibility of a proposed aquifer storage and recovery project in Bastrop County. (Austin American-Statesman)
From our Bastrop team, more on Austin Water ending underground water storage plans in the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer after repeated local opposition
— Ben Thompson (@BThompson_CI) November 20, 2025
Mayor Watson said the city "didn’t reach the level of partnership" needed for the regional project to succeedhttps://t.co/CTDhKIQpA1 https://t.co/8tHvPRkrCz
🚨 MAJOR WIN FOR BASTROP COUNTY!🚨
— Stan Gerdes (@StanGerdesforTX) November 20, 2025
After YEARS of pushing back, speaking out, and refusing to be ignored, we did it — the City of Austin’s plan to inject and store their treated city water in our aquifer is OFFICIALLY DEAD.
Last week, I sent a letter to Mayor Kirk Watson making… pic.twitter.com/qBaXA5pqEa
Authorities in Hays County are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying suspects involved in a vehicle burglary and theft that occurred on Monday in Buda.
Also from Hays County, details surrounding an FBI raid on Tuesday is still leaving many with more questions than answers as to why there was a raid to begin with, especially after all criminal charges were later dropped.
UPDATE: in response to my requests seeking records about the Hays County raid after all criminal charges were dropped, DPS declined to release more information, citing an ongoing FBI investigation.https://t.co/PWHCWVlVmD
— Francesca D'Annunzio (@FrancescaDnunz) November 20, 2025
Capital Area Crime Stoppers announced the arrests of two wanted fugitives.
APD detectives say they still don’t know who killed Camnik Campbell in Zilker Park in 2022. They need the public’s help to solve this case.
PODCASTS
This episode of Keep Austin Safe is about the APD Sex Crimes Unit—how they investigate cases and support victims and survivors with the assistance of APD Victim Services.
(Episode from November 10, 2025)
This week, the Austin Theatre Alliance announced it’s launching a $65 million campaign to restore the 110-year-old Paramount and 90-year-old State theaters. On this week’s Friday News Roundup host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to unpack the ambitious restoration plan, including long-overdue upgrades like comfier seating.
Plus, the team laments the loss of a beloved downtown dining spot and digs into Austin Monthly‘s 2025 list of best new restaurants. And don’t forget to stay tuned for the crew’s weekend plans!
Plans for a concert venue slated to be built in Dripping Springs have apparently been scrapped. (KVUE-TV)
Downtown Austin has hit a “perfect storm” of factors that pushed commercial vacancies in the district to a historic high.
Harper ISD were forced to cancel Friday classes due to lightning damage in the reigion.
WEATHER
THURSDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
(We tied the 2011 record of 85 degrees on November 20.)
CAMP MABRY
THURSDAY’S RAINFALL TOTALS
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
The Austin Rain Dome currently pic.twitter.com/cRhHu9yair
— Evil MoPac (@EvilMopacATX) November 21, 2025
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
A LOOK AHEAD AT THANKSGIVING
A storm will impact much of the eastern two-thirds of the United States during the busiest travel times ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday as millions hit the highways and head for the airports. (AccuWeather)
A train collided with a tractor-trailer in Medina County yesterday.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Two congressmen are demanding answers, and advocates point to previous raids the feds tied to the gang but resulted in no criminal charges. (San Antonio Current)
The state’s new $3 billion dementia research fund has been blocked temporarily by a trio of voters who claim voting machines used in this month’s election are faulty.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick championed the fund during the legislative session and listed it as a priority for lawmakers. (KVUE-TV)
“Surprisingly, none of the other propositions were challenged in court under this pretense. This attack on DPRIT is disgusting and is a disservice to the roughly 500,000 Texans who suffer from some form of dementia, and their families who suffer along with them.” — Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, in a statement
The Texas State University Board of Regents on Thursday upheld the firing of professor Tom Alter, affirming university President Kelly Damphousse’s decision to dismiss him and revoke his tenure. Alter was fired in September for remarks he made during a virtual conference hosted by a socialist group. He has maintained he was speaking as a private citizen and that his termination violates his First Amendment rights.
The Texas Tribune is reporting that by repeatedly tying the process to a court ruling that changed the racial makeup of who can bring legal challenges under the Voting Rights Act, Texas Governor Greg Abbott “explicitly directed the Texas State Legislature to redistrict based on race,” Judge Jeffrey Brown wrote in the ruling that blocked Texas’ new map. (Texas Tribune)
The Senior Judge on the redistricting decision wrote a dissent saying this about the erroneous ruling by Judge Jeff Brown who wrote the opinion:
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 21, 2025
"This is the most outrageous conduct by a judge that I have ever encountered in a case in which I have been involved,"
"I also need…
James Henson & Joshua Blank consider the politics of the federal court decision throwing out the recently redrawn Texas Congressional map, and the MAGA crack-up trope.
(Episode from November 20, 2025)
Hours after Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to launch criminal investigations into two Islamic groups —the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR — the latter organization filed a lawsuit against the governor.
BREAKING: CAIR Legal Defense Fund and our partners at the @MLFA just filed a federal lawsuit against Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton to block implementation of an unconstitutional and defamatory proclamation targeting CAIR-Texas.
— CAIR National (@CAIRNational) November 20, 2025
In a statement, CAIR… pic.twitter.com/qVI9KJ8AfS
James Talarico made it official Thursday.
It’s official!
— James Talarico (@jamestalarico) November 20, 2025
I just filed to run for the US Senate.
It’s time to take power back for working people. pic.twitter.com/wfj9e6s8Fq
Add one more to the list of candidates for Texas Attorney General.
I just filed to run for Texas Attorney General with my daughter by my side.
— Nathan Johnson (@NathanForTexas) November 20, 2025
I’m running because I believe the Attorney General should stand between Texans and anyone who would exploit them — whether it’s a corporation or a politician.
I will always fight for you. Let's do this! pic.twitter.com/1CH9rLVdyQ
Nathan Johnson a member of the Texas Senate for the 16th district
KHOU-TV reporter/anchor Marcelino Benito sat down for an interview with Sen. Ted Cruz.
In an analysis of pedestrian deaths across the country on roads excluding interstates and other highways, two roads in Houston saw the highest counts. (Houston Chronicle)
Federal authorities say two North Texas men charged in alleged plot to invade island off Haiti, kill men and enslave women and children,
SPORTS
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
Vandegrift, the reigning 6A-Division II champs, and San Antonio Brandeis met at UFCU Stadium in San Marcos, but thunderstorms also showed up. Through two lightning delays, one that delayed the opening kick by about an hour, Vandegrift picked up a 37-7 win.
Wimberley took out Robstown 42-20 in the other UIL matchup.
NFL: The Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills are two teams going in different directions.
The Bills are a surprising 7-4 after a rough outing against the Houston Texans, who won 23-19 despite being without quarterback C.J. Stroud, who missed his second straight start due to a concussion. The Texans (6-5) harassed Allen all night, sacking him eight times, a single-game career-high for the reigning NFL MVP. (Yahoo! Sports)
QB Davis Mills explains why Houston’s defense is the real deal after 8 sacks, 3 turnovers, and shutting down Josh Allen.
ON THE SCHEDULE
After a short week, the Texans get an extended rest before they travel to Indianapolis.
STANDINGS
MLS: Austin FC released their 2026 season schedule Thursday.
Austin will kick off its sixth season with its home opener presented by Q2 on Saturday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m. CT against Minnesota United FC.
NBA: The San Antonio Spurs keep rolling.
THREE STRAIGHT 🎉@FrostBank | #sponsored pic.twitter.com/02MumseV6x
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) November 21, 2025
De’Aaron Fox scored 26 points, Keldon Johnson had 25 and the San Antonio Spurs won their third straight without Victor Wembanyama, toppling the Atlanta Hawks 135-126 on Thursday night. (Yahoo! Sports)
ON THE SCHEDULE
The Spurs are off tonight while Dallas and Houston have games.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Both Texas Tech and Houston earned victories last night.
ON THE SCHEDULE
The Red Raiders are right back at it tonight. And it’s a big one.
Texas A&M hosts Manhattan.
The Texas Longhorns do not play again until Monday.
NHL: The Dallas Stars have come alive.
WAKE UP, DALLAS!
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) November 21, 2025
STARS WIN!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/nMeI5RFOUv
Jason Robertson scored to extend his goal streak to five games and his point streak to six games, and the Dallas Stars defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4-2 at Rogers Arena on Thursday. (Yahoo! Sports)
ON THE SCHEDULE
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: The Texas Longhorns prepare to host Arkansas.
Texas Football NEEDS a BIG Win vs. Arkansas | LIVE | 11/21/25
The latest episode of Texas Parks & Wildlife…
Fireflies still inhabit Texas and there are ways to create habitat for them in your own backyard. RC plane pilots at Lake Whitney State Park share the joy and freedom they find in taking to the skies. In a region that is sparsely populated, Tim and Lou Edwards are welcoming hosts and excellent stewards of land that is home to a wide variety of West Texas wildlife.
