Restoring Social Service Contracts with a Focus on Children

[Louisa Brinsmade]

Colleagues,

We have received an update on the certified tax roll for fiscal year 2026-2027, and as a result, we have an additional $4.7 million in General Fund property tax revenue. In other words, we have $4.7 million more ongoing funds than we originally projected in the City’s Proposed Budget.

In light of these additional funds, I am bringing a budget IFC to direct the City Manager to use some of the funds to invest in the social services contract and grants that relate to the wellbeing of Austin’s children and youth, particularly in the areas of food access, and physical and mental health.

The goal is to restore existing high-performing contracts or establish contracts which meet the unaddressed needs for children and youth in Austin. The investments should align with the strategic priorities listed below:

1) Invest in the years that matter most.

2) Connect every eligible child to health care, food, and shelter.

3) Build a more connected mental health care system for children.

4) Activate the spaces our kids already have.

The IFC also requests that the City Manager create a performance measure in all contracts where it’s practical that the recipient of City funds work to connect eligible children to health care and food. Research reveals that Austin is 50th out of the 50 largest American cities for signing up children for CHIP and SNAP benefits. We could make a marked difference with a little focus.

I am joined in this effort by Mayor Pro Tem Vela, as well as Council Member Velásquez and Laine.

Thanks,

Kirk, Chito, José, Krista