08.18.2023

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69º | Rainy | 87% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 5:42 p.m.

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How Austin’s $5.5 billion budget compares to other US cities

Let’s break down how Austin’s newly approved $5.5 billion annual budget compares to the budgets of other cities. | Photo by @giovannisabala

Austin City Council just approved a $5.5 billion city budget — the largest in city history.

We’ve already broken down the draft proposal, which was adopted this week with amendments that change about $10 million worth of the budget allocation.

Today, we’re taking a look at how Austin’s budget compares to those of other cities.

ATX_Budgetsintopcities — Although Austin ranks No. 10 for population, its city budget surpasses that of San Antonio, San Diego, and Dallas.
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Graphic by ATXtoday; data based on most recently approved city budgets

How Bat City compares

As the newly named 10th largest city in the US, Austin is bound to have one of the biggest city budgets in the country. But it turns out, ATX also punches above its weight when it comes to spending in proportion to its size.

Out of the top 10 largest cities in the country, Austin’s budget ranks No. 7.

In Texas, the Capital City pulls in at No. 2, behind Houston. Here’s how the most recent city budgets for other Lone Star State cities compare:

Houston: $6.2 billion
Austin: $5.5 billion
Dallas: $4.51 billion
San Antonio: $3.4 billion
Fort Worth: $2.3 billion

ATX_Budgetspercapita — When breaking down city budgets per capita, Austin surpasses most other cities in the Top 10 for population.
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Graphic by ATXtoday

All this means Austin also has one of the largest budgets per capita in the country.

In fact, when you divide the most recently approved budget by the most recent estimated population, Austin comes out to ~$5,650 per capita in city spending. That ranks ATX at No. 3 among the ten largest cities in the US.

What else should I know about the budget?

Now, the slightly less fun stuff. Even though this year’s budget actually comes with a reduction in the overall tax rate, most Austin homeowners will still see a ~6.1% increase in their tax bill due to rising property values.

For the typical Austinite, that amounts to about ~$1,782 yearly ($102 higher than last year). Fees for electricity, water, and other city services will also increase by ~3.6%, adding an additional $172 yearly.

Take a look at the full budget proposal online.

Events

Friday, Aug. 18

Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Too $hort: “H.S. Reunion” tour | Friday, Aug. 18 | 6:30 p.m. | Germania Insurance Amphitheater, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin | $38-$1000 | Take it back at this concert also featuring Warren G., Berner, and DJ Drama.
Jurassic World: Live Tour | Now-Sunday, Aug. 20 | Times vary | The Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $23-$234 | Come face-to-face with Blue the Raptor, stegosaurus, and the mighty T-Rex at this show + photo opportunity.

Saturday, Aug. 19

Austin Fit Fest | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 8:30 a.m. | Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd., Austin | $30-$75 | Prepare for an action-packed day of MMA, jiu-jitsu, powerlifting, and all things athletics.
Revive & Thrive: Texas Wellness Day | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Hotel Magdalena, 1101 Music Lane, Austin | Free | Spend a day on yourself at this event featuring yoga and breathwork, plus vendors for massages, IV drips, ear seeding, and more.

Sunday, Aug. 20

Lagers & Literature: A Book Fair for Adults | Sunday, Aug. 20 | 10 a.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co., 3901 Promontory Point Dr., Austin | Free | Shop from local authors, learn about the paper arts, and explore archives with a brew in-hand.
Round Rock Car Show | Sunday, Aug. 20 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Old Settlers Park Tennis complex, 2002 Harrell Parkway, Round Rock | Free | Peruse collector, classic, favorite, sport, and antique vehicles, or show your own.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Travel

How to spend a weekend in charming Boerne

Visit Boerne to experience unique shopping, events, Hill Country scenery, and more. | Photos courtesy of Visit Boerne; GIF by ATXtoday

Just ~2 hours from Austin is Boerne, TX — a historic city steeped with Hill Country charm and plenty to do. Save these pro tips to plan your (well-deserved) vacation:

What to do

Explore the Cave Without a Name | It’s always a good time to go underground — this Natural National Landmark’s climate is in the 60s year-round.
Shop around the Hill Country Mile | Boerne’s historic Main Street wins awards for its 80+ shops, restaurants, breweries, and galleries.

Where to eat

The Dienger Trading Co. | Grab breakfast or lunch at this community bistro, bakery, espresso bar, and boutique.
Richter Tavern | This 1920s industrial-themed eatery features a seasonal menu and custom cocktails.

Where to stay

The Bevy | Bring the family to enjoy the resort pool, fire pits, and signature restaurant as this boutique hotel.
The Kendall | This elevated, historic stay — perfect for a romantic getaway — earned a 2023 Texas Travel Award for “Best Hotel, Small Market.”

More unique things to do in Boerne

News Notes

Coming Soon

The team behind Bufalina and Bufalina Due announced plans to open a new restaurant in East Austin next month. Palm Pizza will serve New York-style pies, salads, sandwiches, and wine. (Eater Austin)

Transit

CapMetro’s new smartphone app and AMP card could save you money on your next bus ride. The new tech and fare structure soft-launched this month and allows some users to receive discounted fares. (Austin American-Statesman)

List

Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the most famous Texan of all? Data shows that crown goes to Beyoncé for now, but Austin’s own Matthew McConaughey and Willie Nelson are a close second and third. See who else made the list. (Austin American-Statesman)

Announced

Local taco chain Veracruz All Natural will open its next location inside the Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility at 1700 Guadalupe St. Stop by the city building starting Tuesday, Sept. 12 for tacos, coffee, and conchas. (Eater Austin)

Plan Ahead

At least 10 Central Texas school districts have announced plans to cancel class on Monday, April 8 so students can experience the upcoming total solar eclipse. Join in on the fun with these 9 eclipse parties. (KXAN)

Environment

The summer heat is literally breaking asphalt in Austin. The beating sun causes pavement to slowly “shrivel,” resulting in warped and cracked roads. (Austin Monitor)

Finance

One card, all the perks. A $200 welcome bonus, unlimited cash back, and 0% interest into 2024 all with no annual fee almost sounds too good to be true — but this card has it all.*

Ranked

Performance score card

Is your city one of Milken Institute’s best-performing cities?

The Austin skyline as seen from a hill at Zilker Botanical Garden

Way to go, Austin — the Capital City ranked No. 2 in this year’s Milken Institute index of best-performing cities. | Photo by @tanodddot

Curious exactly how strong our city’s economy is? The Milken Institute released its “Best-Performing Cities of 2023 Index,” which provides an evaluation of the economic performance and resiliency of 400+ US cities.

Breaking down our score

Austin maintained its No. 2 ranking this year, after climbing from its previous slot at No. 3 in 2021. The city’s economy has bounced back after the onset of the pandemic — regaining all jobs lost in March and April 2020 by the end of 2021.

Overall, Austin’s jobs and wages have grown rapidly over the past five years, and the metro was applauded for its impressive tech scene. Austin’s high-tech GDP score climbed from No. 21 to No. 18 this year.

With respect to housing, Austin offers the most households with access to broadband service among all the top-ranking cities on the Milken list. However, it also has one of the most competitive housing markets in the country. As a result, Austin’s housing affordability rank slid to No. 143.

Compare our score

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
London

From the editor

Since it’s back-to-school season in Austin, City Editor Figi and I thought we’d share some throwback images of our school days at Marble Falls’ Colt Elementary and Vandegrift High School. I was that kid who got so excited for school, she packed her backpack a week early.

Can you tell who is who?

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