Southwest Deal Links Airport Jobs to Homelessness & Childcare Funding.

Council approved the transfer of $942,845 in hotel-industry assessments into the House Our People Endowment (HOPE) Fund. Of that, $500,000 is allocated to housing navigation services, with $442,845 reserved for future homelessness programming.

Council also authorized a $5.5 million jobs-based incentive agreement with Southwest Airlines: $2,750 per qualifying job, up to 2,000 jobs over five years, with 10% of any payout directed into the City’s Childcare Assistance Reserve Fund.

Austin is linking critical social services to tourism and aviation—two sectors that generate substantial revenue but fluctuate with economic cycles. The strategy could produce thousands of jobs and childcare funding, but it increases exposure to travel-sector volatility. Communities near ABIA may see both new employment opportunities and intensified congestion and airport impacts.

With SB 8 now requiring sex-assigned-at-birth use of government restrooms, Council directed staff to develop a plan to retrofit city bathrooms using full-privacy stalls and shared sinks to maintain inclusive access while complying with state law.

Expect phased renovations in libraries, rec centers, and civic buildings. This approach preserves access for transgender and nonbinary residents while managing legal constraints.

KIPP Texas’ Board voted to close five Austin campuses and two San Antonio campuses beginning in 2026–27, citing long-term sustainability needs. Student reassignment within KIPP is guaranteed, though detailed maps are pending.

East and South Austin communities face overlapping impacts from both charter and AISD consolidations. Families may see changes in commutes, programs, and school environments.

Central Health’s tax rate rose 9.3% to 11.8023¢ per $100, adding about $64/year to an average homestead. Travis County’s rate “effectively increased 8%,” adding about $124/year on a $500K home. Funds support expanded clinics, behavioral health, flood recovery, and county operations.

These increases stack alongside rising utilities and existing AISD taxes, contributing to affordability pressures. Central Health’s share continues to grow as it expands specialty care and clinic access.

Rate changes effective Nov. 1 are now visible on December bills. While Austin Energy’s fuel costs dropped—reducing electric charges by $4–$5/month—combined city utilities have risen ~$9.54/month because of increases from Austin Water, ARR, Watershed, and other fees.

Residents see higher totals even though power itself costs less. This can hit small businesses and all-bills-paid renters especially hard. Roughly 12,000 customers received erroneous bills due to testing issues; corrections are ongoing.

Austin-Bergstrom’s Journey With AUS program continues preparing for Concourse B, adding 20+ gates and boosting long-term terminal capacity. Recent FAA funding (~$108M) supports airfield and enabling work essential for the multi-year expansion, with major construction unfolding through the late 2020s and into the early 2030s.

Mayor Watson floated creating a recurring citywide performance audit structure to evaluate departmental efficiency and service outcomes. No formal Council action yet.