Funding for Austin’s Parks: Council Continues the Conversation.
Zilker 351 Executive Director Fleetwood Jacobs and Board Chair Mike Cannatti testifying before Austin City Council in support of Item 97, May 28, 2026.
Bond Update: Council Keeps the Conversation Going
Last month, we reported on the final recommendations from the Bond Election Advisory Task Force (BEATF), the Parks and Recreation Board, and City Staff to Austin City Council regarding a potential 2026 bond election. On May 28, Austin City Council met to act on those recommendations—and Zilker 351 was there to speak up for parks. Here's what happened and what comes next.
(New to this topic? Start with our previous post.)
What Council Did
The City Council took up the question as to whether to move forward with a proposed bond or not. Item 97, was a proposal directing city staff to continue developing a relatively small $390M bond package focusing on parks, transportation, and community facilities projects. Their findings would be presented for Council's consideration at their July 23, 2026 meeting. The proposal passed with six votes, with Mayor Kirk Watson and Council Member Duchen voting no and Council Member Laine abstaining. As it stands, the issue of the bond is not decided yet. However, this was a good first step by City Council that will move the process forward.
Zilker 351’s Input
At the meeting, Fleetwood Jacobs, Zilker 351 Executive Director, and Mike Cannatti, Zilker 351 Board Chair, spoke in support of moving forward with a bond and prioritizing funding for parks and ecological restoration projects. They specifically discussed funding for a Barton Creek Shoreline Restoration Project at Barking Springs. The proposed project would stabilize the eroding creek bank between the spillway and Barton Springs Road bridge, restore native vegetation, improve accessibility and trail safety, and help protect water quality in one of Austin's most heavily used natural areas. Zilker 351 says it is prepared to help raise matching funds from private philanthropic donors if the City formally identifies the project as a priority eligible for bond and/or partnership funding.
Parks Have Champions on This Council
What was clear during this discussion: parks have advocates on Council. Mayor Pro Tem José “Chito” Vela noted that parks are one of the few areas where private partners, donors, and nonprofits are genuinely willing to step up—and gave Zilker 351 a shout-out in the process. Council Member Siegel reminded Council that parks have not received a bond investment since 2018. He believes we should ask voters to invest in Austin Parks as they are universally enjoyed across our community. Council Member Ryan Alter, who brought Item 97 forward, was direct: "I think our parks are in desperate need." Other supporters of the proposition included Paige Ellis, Mike Siegel, Zo Qadri, and José Velásquez.
The Parks and Recreation Board's unanimous resolution from April 27 remains one of the strongest statements on record supporting additional parks investment.
What Comes Next
Staff will bring a full bond package back for discussion at the July Council meeting. Council will then decide whether to call a bond election and if so, for how much and what. A November 2026 bond election remains on the table; and therefore, we will continue advocating for parks bond funding. Important decisions are still ahead, and community participation will be essential.
Zilker 351 will be there every step of the way during this process keeping you updated on how you can help protect Zilker Park—the crown jewel of Austin—for future generations.
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