The Austin City Council finalized on Tuesday a bond proposal totalling $295 million that could go to voters this November, choosing to move forward with funding for Austin’s parks and libraries over recommendations from city financial staff to wait two more years. City Council will vote whether to place the proposals on the ballot this Thursday. “As to the affordability argument, city parks and recreational facilities offer some of the best opportunities for healthy activity at no cost or very low cost.” City Council started planning for a 2026 bond election in 2024, forming a bond advisory task force. On Tuesday, the Austin City Council voted to approve $260 million in parks funding and $35 million for city libraries.