AUSTIN (KXAN) — The city of Austin could rename most of its departments if city council approves a version of the fiscal year 2026 budget proposed by City Manager TC Broadnax.
According to a July 11 memo from city communications Director Jessica King and budget office Director Kerri Lang, the city would simplify its naming system and include “Austin” in the names.
A full list will be below, but an example of this is King’s department — the Communications and Public Information Office would become Austin Communications and Engagement. The Austin Police Department and Austin Fire Department would be renamed to Austin Police and Austin Fire.
Some departments would keep their names under this proposal, such as Austin Water, Austin/Travis County EMS, Austin Energy and Austin Public Library.
The proposal will also merge the city’s Information Security Office with its Communications and Technology Management Department to create Austin Technology Services, according to the memo. The budget would also create the Austin Animal Services and Austin Culture, Music, and Entertainment departments.
If adopted, these changes would go into effect Oct. 1.