The Austin Convention Center expansion project, valued at $1.6 billion, continues to advance with construction well underway following the demolition of the existing facility.1 The site now covers six city blocks in downtown Austin, funded primarily through hotel occupancy taxes and convention center revenues.2 Work is expected to extend through 2028, positioning the venue to host larger events and conferences upon its spring 2029 reopening.3
Legal Challenges Persist
Opponents, organized under the Austin United Political Action Committee, have pursued efforts to halt the project via a voter referendum. Their petition, filed in October 2025 with more than 20,000 signatures, sought to force a public vote on the expansion. The city clerk invalidated many signatures, including those from extraterritorial jurisdiction residents, prompting a lawsuit in December 2025.1
On February 7, 2026, Travis County District Judge Jessica Mangrum denied the petition to stop construction, ruling that extraterritorial voters do not qualify and signature verification procedures were properly followed.3 PAC attorney Bill Bunch indicated plans for further appeals, stating, “The court does have some leeway for ordering an election after the deadline.”1
"The question is whether our suburban voters in the extraterritorial jurisdiction and limited purpose jurisdiction have a right to vote on this matter."
-- Bill Bunch, attorney for Austin United PAC1
By February 10, 2026, the group filed an emergency appeal directly to the Texas Supreme Court, seeking a potential ballot measure in May or November 2026. The high court holds discretion on expediting the case.1
Despite the litigation, on-site work persists without interruption. A resolution from the Supreme Court could clarify voter eligibility rules for similar future capital projects, while the convention center redevelopment remains on track for completion ahead of major 2029 events.