Austin stories to watch in 2026

I-35: Expect lane closures to continue in 2026 as construction picks up pace to expand I-35 through Austin.

• The biggest work on the $5.7 billion project is yet to come: sinking the main lanes between Holly Street and Airport Boulevard, and demolishing the upper decks.

Airport: Airport officials are moving ahead with their multibillion-dollar expansion to add 20 gates, along with additional restaurants and live music venues, and a new arrivals and departures hall. Prepare for more construction, temporary gates and parking changes.

• The new West Infill project is expected to be completed this spring, which will add lanes to Checkpoint 3 and new space across four levels, including a lounge on the top floor.
• The South Terminal — used by budget airlines like Allegiant and Frontier — will close and be removed this year.

Midterm elections: Austin Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa is running for governor and her colleague, state Rep. James Talarico, is in the race for U.S. Senate.

• Longtime Austin congressman Lloyd Doggett won't run for reelection after the Supreme Court decided to allow Texas' newly drawn congressional map, which eliminates one of Travis County's blue districts. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar will run for the seat.
• Austin voters in City Council districts 1, 3, 5, 8 and 9 will decide who represents them in November.
• Voters in Travis County will also elect new state representatives in the districts being vacated by Hinojosa and Talarico.

Convention center: The more than three-decade-old convention center has been demolished, part of a $1.6 billion project to build a larger complex to open by early 2029.

South by Southwest: Speaking of the convention center, SXSW will look a bit different this year.

• Without their usual space, festival organizers say they plan to use hotel spaces and other downtown buildings to act as "clubhouses."

• And, for the first time, the festival will have a reservation system, allowing attendees to claim their spot in screenings and sessions.

Education: Austin ISD plans to close 10 campuses ahead of the 2026-27 school year, and parents are scrambling to figure out where to place their kids.

• Meanwhile, the state's private school voucher program will become operational, with most participating families receiving roughly $10,000 a year in state money per eligible student.

Affordability: With no sign that the region's high cost of living will abate, Austin politicians and nonprofits will be grappling with ways to make groceries and housing affordable.

• Affordable housing is among the issues a city task force is considering for a November bond package.

Crosswalks: Decorative crosswalks and street art in 16 Austin locations could be erased following a directive from Gov. Greg Abbott.

• The Texas Department of Transportation is reviewing the city's request for an exception to 15 of the locations.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to remove an incorrect reference to Sarah Eckhardt's state Senate seat being vacated.