ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Dog’s Head Development

Dear Neighbors,

I want to clarify that there are a total of seven agenda items Austin City Council will consider related to the proposed Dog’s Head development and the creation of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ).

For better understanding of how Council is breaking down the proposed ordinances, I have provide a link to each agenda item.

Item 14:https://www.austintexas.gov/council/2026/20260723-reg#014

Authorize negotiation and execution of an agreement with Travis County to fund and participate in a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 21…known as “Dog’s Head”

Item 15:https://www.austintexas.gov/council/2026/20260723-reg#015

Approve the preliminary project and financing plan for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 21 (Dog’s Head)

Item 75: https://www.austintexas.gov/council/2026/20260723-reg#075

Approve an ordinance vacating approximately 126,437 square feet (2.9026 acres) of developed right-of-way…to convey the right-of-way to Dogs Head Land JV, Ltd.

Item 76: https://www.austintexas.gov/council/2026/20260723-reg#076

Approve an ordinance vacating approximately 232,205 square feet (5.3307 acres) developed right-of-way …between Hergotz Lane and Ramirez Lane; requiring future dedication of right-of-way, and authorizing the City Manager to….convey the right-of-way to Dog’s Head Land JV, Ltd. All costs, including appraisal fees and public notice expenses, will be paid by the applicant and reimbursed to the City.

Item 106: https://www.austintexas.gov/council/2026/20260723-reg#106

Consider an ordinance annexing approximately 37.31 acres of right-of-way land, into the City’s full-purpose jurisdiction, that are contiguous or connecting to the area commonly known as Dog’s Head, and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Service Plan Agreement with the owner of the land.

Item 111: https://www.austintexas.gov/council/2026/20260723-reg#111

Consider an ordinance creating Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 21 for Dog’s Head, …approving the boundaries of the zone and the participation rate of the City for the zone; appointing the board of directors, and related matters.

Item 142: https://www.austintexas.gov/council/2026/20260723-reg#142

Authorize negotiation and execution of an amendment to the Development Agreement with Dog’s Head Land JV, Ltd …to amend terms related to drainage and environmental protections, land development standards, and a tax increment reinvestment zone.

These are complicated items and decisions that could have lasting consequences for Austin taxpayers, environmental stewardship, and the future of development in southeast Austin. We encourage all neighbors to take a few minutes to contact the Mayor and City Council before Thursday’s meeting with any concern you may have.

What is a TIRZ?

A TIRZ commits future growth in Dproperty tax revenue within a designated area to fund infrastructure and development over many years. While this financing tool can support major projects, it also has long-term fiscal implications and deserves careful evaluation before approval.

There are several reasons many residents believe these items should not move forward at this time:

Long-term taxpayer impacts. The proposed TIRZ represents a significant long-term financial commitment that could affect how future tax revenues are used.
Environmental concerns remain unresolved.The Austin Environmental Commission recently voted unanimously to recommend delaying the proposal until additional environmental review and stronger protections are in place.
Travis County has not yet committed. The County has postponed its decision regarding participation, indicating that important questions remain unanswered.

What You Can Do?

Please consider emailing the Mayor and City Council before Thursday’s meeting and respectfully ask them to vote no on Agenda Items 14, 15, 75,76, 106, 111, and 142 topostpone action until the outstanding fiscal and environmental concerns have been fully addressed.

In addition to sending an email, residents can register their position with the City Council.

The deadline to register is Wednesday at 12:00 p.m.

You may:

Sign up to speak during Thursday’s Council meeting, or
Register “Not Speaking” to indicate your position on the agenda item without providing testimony.

You can sign up at the following link: https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=477432

Whether you choose to speak or simply register your position, your participation lets the Council know that our community is paying attention to these important decisions.

Even a short, personalized message can make a difference.

Sample Email

Dear Mayor Watson and Council Members,

I am writing to respectfully ask you to vote noon Agenda Items 14, 15, 75,76, 106, 111, and 142or postpone action until the remaining fiscal and environmental concerns have been adequately addressed.

The proposed TIRZ represents a long-term commitment of future tax revenues that deserves careful consideration and greater public discussion. I am also concerned that the Austin Environmental Commission unanimously recommended delaying the proposal pending additional environmental review and that Travis County has not yet committed to participating.

Please take the time to ensure that taxpayers, our environment, and our community’s long-term interests are fully protected before moving forward.

Thank you for your service and for considering my comments.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Thank you ! Our community benefits when residents

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