FY27 Community Project Funding Requests
Project Name: Peer Support Services for Opioid Use Disorder Recovery
Proposed Recipient: Travis County
Address of the Recipient: 700 Lavaca St., Austin, Texas, 78701
Requested Amount: $1,000,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: The funding would be used to fund Peer Support Specialists in local hospital emergency departments to engage with people presenting at the hospital with opioid use disorder, connect them to medication assisted treatment and other recovery supports, and follow-up with beneficiaries to assist them in navigating support options in the community. The proposal also funds Peer Support Specialists in Travis County’s courts to engage with people involved in the child welfare system due to opioid use disorder and connect them to medication assisted treatment, recovery supports, and assist them in navigating support options in the community. Continuing the success of this program is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it assists individuals during acute moments of crisis to help them begin a recovery path toward addressing their opioid use disorder.
Project Name: City of Austin - Shoal Creek Crossing in Pease Park
Proposed Recipient: City of Austin
Address of the Recipient: 301 West Second Street, Second Floor, Austin, TX 78701
Requested Amount: $3,400,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: The funding would be used to design and construct a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge or low-water crossing over Shoal Creek. The project will repair a critical gap in the Shoal Creek Trail network caused by upstream slope failure and severe storm damage in 2018 and 2019. The crossing will be approximately 150 feet long and will include new trail segments that reconnect to the existing trail on both sides of the creek as a part of Austin's planned “Big Loop”. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will improve safety for walkers and cyclists, and expand access to recreation and active transportation.
Project Name: City of Austin’s Early Childhood Center + Behavioral Heath Building Rehab and Security Upgrades Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Austin
Address of the Recipient: 301 West Second Street, Second Floor, Austin, TX 78701
Requested Amount: $1,150,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: The funding would be used by Open Door Preschools and Integral Care for building rehabilitation and renovation, increasing efficiency, upgrading plumbing, and modernizing security and accessibility for children and families. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because by replacing 40-yo windows and HVAC, the project reduces long-term utility costs and physical plant overhead for Integral Care. Furthermore, upgrading the kitchen allows the program to leverage Federal School Lunch dollars, bringing new resources to the community to combat food insecurity. Most important, it ensures continuity of care—preventing facility closures due to system failures so working parents do not lose wages.
Project Name: Gymnasium at the Pease Elementary School facility for use as a Community Support and Economic Advancement Center
Proposed Recipient: Austin Independent School District
Address of the Recipient: 4000 S. Interstate 35, Austin, TX 78704
Requested Amount: $3,000,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: The funding would be used by Austin ISD to support the repurposing of Gymnasium at Pease facility into the Community Support and Economic Advancement Center. The Pease facility will also house a high-quality, affordable Early Learning Center with outdoor and indoor learning environments. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because funding this project will support economic growth and development by increasing access to education and training for potential workforce, bridging the gap between current employee supply to future employment needs while providing real-time access and navigation to family stability resources and basic needs.
Project Name: UT Austin - Waller Creek Restoration and Connectivity
Proposed Recipient: University of Texas at Austin
Address of the Recipient: 110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, TX 78712
Requested Amount: $2,500,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: The funding would be used for UT Austin to launch a multiphase investment to connect the Austin and university communities through Waller Creek trail via a safe, beautiful and publicly engaging landscape. Federal funding would accelerate the design work and restoration of an approximately 1,300-foot-long segment of the creek to include design of an accessible pedestrian and bicycle pathway and extensive riparian restoration to stabilize creek banks and add flood-resilient infrastructure with accessible pathways along the Waller Creek corridor between UT Austin’s Alumni Center to the north and 15th Street/Waterloo Park to the south. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because as the state’s flagship institution, UT Austin has a responsibility to model accessibility, safety, and environmental care. These improvements will transform a currently fragmented corridor into a connected, welcoming, and resilient public resource - benefitting the entire Austin community.
Project Name: City of Austin - Boardwalk Central on the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
Proposed Recipient: City of Austin
Address of the Recipient: 301 West Second Street, Second Floor, Austin, TX 78701
Requested Amount: $3,950,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: The funding would be used to construct a new boardwalk to address critical safety and capacity issues in a highly used 700-linear-foot section of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail between S. 1st Street and Congress Avenue on the south shore of Lady Bird Lake. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will improve safety and accessibility, increase capacity on the popular trail, support environment health, and create parkland.
Project Name: City of Austin - Red Line Trail – Lakeline Station to West Parmer Lane
Proposed Recipient: City of Austin
Address of the Recipient: 301 West Second Street, Second Floor, Austin, TX 78701
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: The funding would be used for the design, engineering and construction of an urban trail extension in northwest Austin, connecting Capital Metro’s (CapMetro) Lakeline Station and West Parmer Lane, along the Red Line commuter rail tracks. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because this proposed route will provide a crucial link for cyclists, pedestrians, and other users, improving connectivity and reducing reliance on motor vehicles. There are multiple potential connection points to the adjacent neighborhood as well as other connections to the Spectrum Drive and Parmer Lane intersection as well as existing sidewalk on Parmer Lane, closer to SH 45, and the trail will provide direct trail and transit access to several multifamily residential neighborhoods and businesses.
Project Name: City of Austin – EMS First Responder Protective Equipment
Proposed Recipient: City of Austin
Address of the Recipient: 301 West Second Street, Second Floor, Austin, TX 78701
Requested Amount: $2,554,500
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: The funding would be used to purchase rifle-rated ballistic vests and protective clothing for EMS first responders in Austin/Travis County. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because these upgrades will improve responder safety during active violence incidents, hazardous scenes, and emergency medical responses. The equipment will allow first responders to safely enter high-risk environments, reduce injuries, and ensure timely delivery of life-saving care to the community.
Project Name: CapMetro Microgrid and Energy Storage Design Completion and Construction
Proposed Recipient: Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro)
Address of the Recipient: 3100 East 5th Street, Austin, TX 78702
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: The funding would be used to complete final design and initiating construction of microgrid and battery energy storage system (BESS) infrastructure across CapMetro-owned facilities in Central Texas. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it advances an active, design-stage capital project that directly supports the operational resilience of public transit serving Congressional District 37. Benefits include reduced transit operating costs through solar self-consumption, improved grid resilience and service continuity during outages and extreme weather events, new revenue streams from grid dispatch, and a replicable model for clean energy infrastructure across the region — with particular value for historically underserved communities in Central Texas.
Project Name: City of Austin - Austin Fire Department Emergency Response Boat Lift
Proposed Recipient: City of Austin
Address of the Recipient: 301 West Second Street, Second Floor, Austin, TX 78701
Requested Amount: $1,700,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: The funding would be used to by the Austin Fire Department to construct a boat lift at Fire Station 31 to protect and preserve its emergency response vessel. Currently, the rescue boat is stored in the water full-time, exposing it to corrosion, mechanical wear, and environmental damage that can shorten its lifespan and increase maintenance costs. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will help protect this essential emergency response asset, reduce long-term repair costs, and ensure continued public safety service for the community.
Project Name: City of Austin - East Avenue Trail Betterment
Proposed Recipient: City of Austin
Address of the Recipient: 301 West Second Street, Second Floor, Austin, TX 78701
Requested Amount: $4,000,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: The funding would be used to create a dedicated pedestrian and bicyclist crossing over I-35 in a neighborhood experiencing significant new housing development where crossings are limited. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will improve mobility between growing neighborhoods on either side of I-35, the project would provide a link to the broader regional trail and greenbelt networks, improving mobility in a neighborhood with limited non-motor vehicle connections.
Project Name: Central Texas Railroad Freight Corridor Feasibility and Opportunity Study
Proposed Recipient: Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro)
Address of the Recipient: 3100 East 5th Street, Austin, TX 78702
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: The funding would be used to fund a comprehensive freight corridor feasibility and opportunity study to evaluate the potential for expanded freight rail services along this corridor. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because benefits to the community include: reduction in heavy truck traffic on regional highways; lower greenhouse gas emissions per ton-mile compared to trucking; catalyst for new industrial and agricultural activity in rural communities along the corridor; creation of family-wage jobs; strengthened supply chains; and improved financial sustainability of CapMetro’s transit system through diversified freight revenue.
Project Name: City of Austin’s Waterloo Greenway Creek Restoration & Water Quality Enhancements
Proposed Recipient: City of Austin
Address of the Recipient: 301 West Second Street, Second Floor, Austin, TX 78701
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: A public-private partnership between the City of Austin and the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, Waterloo Greenway will be a 35-acre park system running along Waller Creek from Lady Bird Lake to 15th Street. The project for Phase III covering 9th through 12th Streets includes streambank repair and stabilization, restoration of the creek’s riparian areas, active and passive parkland, and a bicycle and pedestrian trail with numerous connections to the surrounding streets and neighborhoods. The project is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will use nature-based solutions to improve water quality to manage stormwater and restore riparian areas, creating a thriving and resilient ecosystem in Downtown Austin.
Project Name: City of Austin - Onion Creek Trail at I-35 Trail Crossing Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Austin
Address of the Recipient: 301 West Second Street, Second Floor, Austin, TX 78701
Requested Amount: $2,800,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: The funding would be used to create a dedicated pedestrian and bicyclist crossing over I-35 in a neighborhood experiencing significant new housing development where crossings are limited. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will improve mobility between growing neighborhoods on either side of I-35, the project would provide a link to the broader regional trail and greenbelt networks, improving mobility in a neighborhood with limited non-motor vehicle connections.
Project Name: City of Austin - Bartholomew District Park Stormwater Improvements Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Austin
Address of the Recipient: 301 West Second Street, Second Floor, Austin, TX 78701
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: The funding would be used to add a permanent pool on the main stem of Tannehill Branch Creek with stacked extended detention pool by constructing a new structure just upstream of the existing outlet for the existing flood control dam in the park. A Safe Routes to School all ages/all abilities urban trail will be constructed over the existing dam crest. Other improvements include an informal creek crossing for the disc golf course, paths for maintenance access, sidewalk improvements around the parking lot, and extension of wastewater manhole vents above the 100-year floodplain. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will manage stormwater flows and improve water quality in a highly urbanized watershed. It will not only result in decreased loading of excess nutrients and toxic sediment but also improve hydrology and riparian habitat. It will enhance recreational use and provide safe mobility for the public.
Project Name: Center for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Austin Community College
Proposed Recipient: Austin Community College District
Address of the Recipient: 6101 Highland Campus Dr., Austin, TX 78752
Requested Amount: $3,000,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: The funding would be used by ACC to equip the Center for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship with advanced digital infrastructure, including digital twin platforms, entrepreneurship and innovation tools, and living intelligence technologies. Using this targeted investment, ACC will leverage its facilities, faculty expertise, and strong partnerships with regional employers to create Central Texas' premier community college-based venture incubator. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will open pathways for students from all backgrounds to be leaders in the innovation economy, produce skilled workers who bridge the gap between AI research and application, strengthen local commerce through innovation and small business creation, and position ACC as a leading research partner for the local biotech industry.
Project Name: City of Austin – Ryan Drive TOD Trails & Community Access
Proposed Recipient: City of Austin
Address of the Recipient: 301 West Second Street, Second Floor, Austin, TX 78701
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: The funding would be used to construct trails, sidewalks, an overpass over the Capital Metro Red Line tracks, and a park as part of the 6909 Ryan Drive transit-oriented development (TOD) project that includes 320 mixed-income rental housing units, 1.25 acres of public park land, and a bicycle/pedestrian crossing designed to improve connectivity to Capital Metro’s Crestview Station. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the project will develop publicly owned land to provide affordable rental housing options in a high opportunity location that is immediately adjacent to transit, jobs, and services; the project will improve safe bicycle and pedestrian access to Crestview Station for both the 6909 Ryan Park TOD Project and the entire Crestview Neighborhood via a new access point along the southwestern side of the railway, with signage and lighting to ensure visibility and clear wayfinding; and the project will substantially increase the amount of park land available to the Crestview neighborhoods.
Project Name: City of Austin’s Foundation Communities’ Prosper Center North
Proposed Recipient: City of Austin
Address of the Recipient: 301 West Second Street, Second Floor, Austin, TX 78701
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Description of the request, including the purpose and justification for use of taxpayer funds: Foundation Communities’ Prosper Center North has outgrown its current facility, limiting their ability to serve the Central Texas region effectively. They have secured a lease for a property with plans to repurpose the existing property for their Prosper Center North programs. While Foundation Communities has started the essential renovations that will bring the building up to code, the funding would be used for an additional phase of renovations. The Prosper Center serves as a hub for Foundation Communities’ no-cost tax preparation, financial wellness and postsecondary supportive programs. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will help provide financial services and education counseling to underserved, low- and moderate-income people.