Overview
- Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has proposed ending the voter-approved Ready to Work program early to free up as much as $100 million to help close a $158 million general fund shortfall.
- City Attorney Andy Segovia warned in a July 23 memo that the Texas Better Jobs Act limits Ready to Work funds to workforce-related uses such as job training, scholarships, literacy, after-school programs, and early childhood services.
- The mayor says voters could authorize using the money for qualified social and education programs that would free general-fund dollars for services like public safety and drainage.
- Putting any change to voters requires the mayor to present ballot language and a majority of City Council to approve it by the Aug. 17 deadline for a possible November referendum.
- Ready to Work was approved by 77% of voters in 2020, underdelivered on early placement goals but has improved in 2026 with placements rising to more than 5,700 and a 74% 12-month placement rate, fueling a split on council between supporters who cite those gains and critics who want the funds redirected.