CivicIn7 Austin | November 11, 2025
TL;DR (5 bullets)
Watson launches a citywide performance-audit plan after Prop Q fails.
City Auditor finds ~$980K in Austin Energy fraud.
AISD starts implementing its 10-school closure plan (Nov 2025 vote).
Waymo issues a federal software recall after 20 school-bus violations.
Convention Center rebuild enters year one of its four-year, $1.6B project.
LEAD STORY
Watson Moves Forward With Citywide Performance Audits
Following the November 2025 defeat of Prop Q—which would have raised ~$110M annually—Mayor Kirk Watson wants Council to create a citywide performance-audit program through ordinance. The audits would be recurring, department-wide, and managed by the City Auditor. Watson argues this is the fastest way to strengthen fiscal accountability without changing the City Charter.
Meanwhile, Save Austin Now continues a charter amendment effort requiring external audits every five years. Watson aims to have the ordinance adopted by February 2026 so results inform next year’s budget.
Impact on residents:
A citywide audit program could shape budget decisions, contracting, hiring, and service delivery across all departments—from utilities to transportation to homelessness services.
How to engage:
Watch Council agendas for the audit ordinance posting.
Send comments to the Mayor’s Office.
Track the Save Austin Now petition if you support/oppose a charter approach.
THE RUNDOWN
1. Nearly $1M Austin Energy Fraud Uncovered
A City Auditor report found a former Austin Energy employee routed ~$980,000 to fictitious vendors (2017–2023). Supervisors approved the charges without catching the irregularities. The employee was indicted for first-degree felony theft.
Why it matters:
The case underscores weaknesses in procurement oversight and strengthens the case for citywide performance audits.
Engage:
Review Audit & Finance Committee materials or submit comments to the City Auditor.
2. Austin Convention Center Rebuild in Full Swing
The Convention Center closed in April 2025 for a four-year, $1.6B rebuild funded by a $600M Council-approved bond package and hotel-industry assessments. Rentable event space will grow from 365,000 to ~620,000 sq. ft., reopening in 2029.
Impact:
Downtown businesses lose a major venue temporarily, but long-term tourism and economic gains are expected.
3. AISD Begins Transition for 10 School Closures (Nov 2025 Vote)
AISD voted on Nov. 20–21, 2025 to close or consolidate 10 campuses, affecting 3,796 students, removing 6,319 empty seats, and saving ~$21.5M annually. Closures start in 2026–27.
Implementation is underway: AISD released principal assignments and intention surveys on Dec. 9, with a Dec. 19 Board Meeting covering enrollment and transition planning.
Financial context:
AISD faces a $92M structural deficit and a separate $19.7M operating deficit, apart from savings generated by closures.
Engage:
Complete AISD’s intention survey (if affected).
Watch the Dec. 19 Board Meeting.
4. Waymo Files Software Recall After 20 School-Bus Violations
Waymo’s autonomous vehicles received 20 citations for passing stopped AISD school buses. The company declined AISD’s request to pause operations but filed a voluntary NHTSA software recall targeting bus-response behavior. No injuries reported.
Impact:
Raises safety questions about AV operations near school zones and pushes federal/local regulators to review rules.
BRIEF MENTIONS
I-35 Cap & Stitch: City has secured a $41M SIB loan, $105.2M federal grant, and $45M city match.
Marshalling Yard Shelter: Funding extended through Sept. 30, 2026; exit rate up to ~30%.
Tapestry at Easton Park: 323-unit, 100% affordable housing project continues advancing.
Mental-Health Diversion Pilot: Travis County approves $4.5M for a 24/7 program launching in 2026.
County Disaster Tax Lawsuit: Residents challenge the 9.12% revenue increase after July 2025 floods.
Upcoming I-35 Closure: Southbound lanes between 51st & Airport to close one weekend for bridge work.
HAPPENING NEAR YOU
Trail of Lights – Zilker Park (through Dec. 23)
ACL Live Holiday Shows (Dec. 11–12)
Billy Strings – Moody Center (Dec. 13)
Blue Genie Art Bazaar (daily)
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar (opens Dec. 15)
HOW TO ENGAGE
Follow Council agendas for the audit ordinance.
Participate in AISD’s Dec. 19 Board Meeting.
Attend CapMetro’s mid-December Board session.
Complete the City’s FY27 Budget Priorities Survey.
Apply for Boards & Commissions vacancies.
BY THE NUMBERS
$980,000 — Alleged Austin Energy fraud amount.
20 — Citations issued to Waymo AVs for passing stopped school buses.
10 campuses closing — Affecting 3,796 students, removing 6,319 empty seats, saving $21.5M annually.
