Council approves interactive kiosk program after divided hearing over privacy, aesthetics and revenue

The City Council voted March 26 to adopt an ordinance allowing interactive digital kiosks (wayfinding and advertising) in the right‑of‑way under a vendor contract the city pursued through an RFP. The kiosks will be publicly accessible, provide wayfinding and transit information, and generate a guaranteed minimum revenue for the city under the vendor’s proposal.

Supporters — including the Downtown Austin Alliance and organizations representing cultural and business interests — argued the kiosks improve wayfinding, support small local businesses and produce new recurring revenue. Davon Barber, president and CEO of the Downtown Austin Alliance, said the kiosks would “enhance the pedestrian experience” and help downtown merchants during construction and disruption.

Opponents, including Scenic Austin, Landmark Commission members and neighborhood speakers, urged postponement and more public engagement. Concerns included expansion of digital advertising into residential areas, light and visual clutter, historic and scenic impacts, and data/privacy risks. Multiple council amendments to restrict kiosks in single‑family zones and to cap the total number were proposed; both failed to pass. Councilmember Chris Siegel’s amendments would have barred kiosks adjacent to single‑family zoning and limited the citywide rollout to 200 units; both motions were defeated.

The vendor said it removed cameras from kiosk designs and added contract provisions addressing litigation and maintenance; the company and partners told council they expect kiosks to provide wayfinding, free public Wi‑Fi and a minimum annual payment to the city at full roll‑out.

Council adopted the ordinance despite divided public comment and several council members expressing reservations. Staff and the vendor will now proceed with location planning and implementation subject to the terms of the executed contract and adopted code changes.