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← Thursday, May 28, 2026

Item 39 Passed 9-0

In plain language — from the agenda backup

The city wants to bring in outside help to keep building and site plan reviews moving — hiring SAFEbuilt Texas for building plan review and inspections, and Freese and Nichols for site plan review services. If you've ever waited on a permit in Austin, this is the kind of behind-the-scenes staffing move aimed at clearing the queue. The contract is capped at $1,000,000, split between the two firms and funded through the Development Services operating budget.

The official agenda language

Authorize a contract for development review services for Staff Augmentation for Building Plan Review and Building Inspections with SAFEbuilt Texas, Inc. and Staff Augmentation for Site Plan Review Services with Freese and Nichols, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000, divided between the contractors. Funding: $1,000,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Development Services.

budgetzoning

The roll call

Approved on Consent 9-0

  • Kirk Watson Mayor Yes
  • Natasha Harper-Madison D1 Absent
  • Vanessa Fuentes D2 Absent
  • José Velásquez D3 Yes
  • José "Chito" Vela D4 Yes
  • Ryan Alter D5 Yes
  • Krista Laine D6 Yes
  • Mike Siegel D7 Yes
  • Paige Ellis D8 Yes
  • Zohaib "Zo" Qadri D9 Yes
  • Marc Duchen D10 Yes

Agenda PDF Legistar Official votes