The Austin City Council held a budget work session on July 23, 2025, focusing on various aspects of the city’s financial planning and resource allocation. The meeting aimed to address capital services and the Economic Development Department (EDD) staffing concerns.

The session began with discussions on the capital allocation model, which is influenced by capital budgets. It was clarified that general fund departments engaged in capital projects contribute funds to the Capital Projects Management Fund to support project management services. This model ensures that capital improvements are effectively managed across departments.

Following this, Council members raised questions regarding staffing within the EDD. A notable point of discussion was the addition of a full-time equivalent (FTE) position aimed at enhancing contract management related to workforce development. Council members expressed concerns about the necessity of this new position, especially in light of recent staff transfers to other departments, such as ACME.

Interim Director Anthony Segura responded to these concerns by explaining that the EDD retained its support staff despite the transfers. He emphasized that the department had not received new positions in the previous budget cycle, which limited their capacity to manage contracts effectively. Segura argued that the additional staff member was essential to ensure proper oversight of the workforce development contracts, given the department's ongoing responsibilities.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the need for adequate staffing to support the city's economic development initiatives, highlighting the balance between resource allocation and departmental efficiency. The council's discussions underscored the importance of strategic planning in managing the city's budget and resources effectively. Further deliberations and decisions are expected in upcoming sessions as the council continues to refine the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.