Travis County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Travis County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan update
Fifteen years after the 2011 fires, the county and Austin adopted a new 10-year wildfire plan with 71 recommendations, public risk maps, and a survey showing 45% of residents don't know how to evacuate safely. Insurance non-renewals emerged as a growing worry.
Capital Improvement Program Dashboard & Transparency
The county's $1.1 billion road and infrastructure program is finally shifting from design to construction — 13 projects now under construction, 18 more going out to bid next year. Rising diesel prices and mega-project competition are squeezing budgets.
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.
Renaming East Metropolitan Park for Commissioner Ron Davis
The park many east Austin families use — with its only public pool in the area — now carries the name of the late commissioner who fought to create it. The Historical Commission also wants Sandy Hayden, the formerly enslaved blacksmith who originally owned the land, honored there too.
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.
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.
2027 Legislative Agenda
The county's wish list for the legislature: easier donation of old computers to nonprofits, fewer Bail Bond Board meetings, authority to ban roadside animal sales, state money for a mental health crisis center, and state support for StarFlight.
Seismic 9.0 Dance Event Permitting
70,500 golf fans are coming to Barton Creek in November. A neighbor complained residents got no information about traffic control or tailgating parking; commissioners pushed staff to add QR codes and better public communication for road impacts.
Apartment Maintenance Workforce Training and Property Conditions
Rapid growth in multifamily housing has created a shortage of qualified maintenance professionals, impacting property upkeep and tenant satisfaction.
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.
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.
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.
Formula One / Circuit of the Americas State Subsidies
A public commenter criticized ongoing county and state financial subsidies for the Circuit of the Americas racetrack, arguing that wealthy private equity owners do not need public financial support.
Strategic Housing Finance Corporation Board Appointments
The Commissioners Court is working to fill a vacancy on the Strategic Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors following a resignation, conducting candidate interviews to support affordable housing development.