Travis County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Travis County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Proposed Manor Wastewater Treatment Plant & Wilbarger Creek Greenway
The county is eyeing 98 acres the City of Manor has reserved for 20 years for a regional wastewater plant — land Manor says its growth depends on. Manor officials and residents packed the room to ask the court not to condemn it; the court took no action.
Opioid Crisis and Harm Reduction
Drug toxicity is still the top cause of accidental death here — 301 deaths last year, a third involving fentanyl. Deaths are down sharply two years running, but a new synthetic opioid has appeared locally, and EMS is seeing overdoses needing up to six doses of Narcan.
Employee Healthcare Costs and Benefit Changes
County employee health claims ran way over budget — another $3.56 million was transferred to close out 2026, on top of $13.7 million in July. Premiums are going up 8% next year with plan changes to control costs.
Regional Wildfire Preparedness and Burn Ban Enforcement
The burn ban stays on through early December because eastern Travis County is still short on rainfall, even after recent showers.
Affordable Housing Availability and Federal Funding Cuts
The Housing Authority and Strategic Housing Finance Corporation reported on portfolio occupancy, new housing units under construction, and expanded tenant protections.
Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Visitor Center Project
The county approved a nearly $40 million contract to build the BCP Visitor Center and trails, moving forward with a multi-year conservation project.
Public Defender Office Permanent Board Bylaws
Community members and public defenders debated the proposed bylaws and board composition for the Travis County Public Defender's Office, raising concerns about community representation.