City Council Work SessionTuesday, September 22, 2026 · 9:00 AM · Austin City Hall

HighHigh significance — major decision, large financial impact, or broad community effectWatch why one council member pulled both telecommunications items from consent. Council Member Duchen pulled items #A21 and #A31 — together $78.0 million in proposed not-to-exceed telecom authority — and the questions raised at the work session will preview the debate before any vote on the regular agenda. Also watch the Joint Emergency Call Center feasibility briefing, which is being delivered by an outside consultant and overlaps with the computer-aided dispatch scope inside the #A31 contract package.

HighHigh significance — major decision, large financial impact, or broad community effectThe work session is the open window to shape the telecom contracts before the regular-agenda vote. Because Council Member Duchen pulled #A21 and #A31 from consent, carrier and reseller interests, and any party affected by the $78.0 million in proposed authority, should engage council offices now rather than after the discussion. The emergency call center feasibility briefing and the social services strategy update are the other two items where policy direction will be signaled.

MediumMedium significance — notable action worth trackingTwo large telecommunications procurement packages are up for discussion and have not been awarded. Firms in telecom, broadband, cellular, and related integration work should track both items and note that one uses a state cooperative contract vehicle while the other is a set of seven direct carrier contracts.