Austin voters will decide on November 3 whether to amend the city charter through Proposition I, which would require regular independent audits of municipal operations. The measure calls for an outside firm selected through competitive bidding to examine city spending, staffing, and contracts every five years, with the added requirement that audits occur within a year of any proposed property tax rate increase.

The proposal originated from a citizen petition organized by the Save Austin Now political action committee, which collected more than 21,000 signatures. Supporters argue the charter amendment would create enforceable accountability following the defeat of a major tax increase proposal last year. They note that the audits must identify savings exceeding the cost of the review itself.

City leaders advanced an alternative process earlier this year through a council ordinance. That effort selected Public Works LLC to conduct efficiency assessments of departments, with the work already underway at a reported cost of several million dollars. The city's internal auditor's office also continues its regular reviews of contracts and potential waste.

Opponents, including public sector unions and several council members like Zo Qadri, have campaigned against the ballot measure. They compare it to Elon Musk's "DOGE" initiative and warn that required savings targets could lead to reduced services or staffing changes. The union representing city workers is funding opposition efforts and is heavily involved in shaping aspects of the city's internal audit framework. Long story short, with the city's preferred "audit," city staff are almost guaranteed to keep their jobs. Critics make the obvious point that that defeats the purpose of an efficiency-seeking audit.

Proponents of Proposition I contend that a charter requirement cannot be altered by future councils, unlike an ordinance. They point to examples from other cities where similar external reviews uncovered substantial potential savings. The debate has centered on whether the existing city processes provide sufficient independence and permanence compared to a voter-approved mandate.

Early voting is underway for the election that includes Proposition I alongside other local measures. While the city workers' union campaigns under the slogan "Don't DOGE Our Austin," proponents of Prop I are hoping that Austin voters see the value in an external audit of city operations.