Latest Headlines for Tuesday, July 15

Housing plan advances to Council as concerns grow over federal funding cuts

The Community Development Commission stopped short of endorsing the city’s annual federal housing funding plan at its meeting last week and instead used the opportunity to raise alarms about how looming federal budget cuts could worsen the city’s homelessness crisis.…

Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 14, 2025

Austin's growth is slowing, increasingly driven by international migration, as Hispanic and Black residents leave

In 2022, Austin had just broken into the top 10 largest cities in America. It was the fastest-growing large metro area in the country, and had held that title for 12 years. Now, Austin has dipped to the 13th largest…

Austin • By Lina Fisher • Jul 13, 2025

Austin’s sexual assault response: Small steps forward despite federal challenges

Austin and Travis County are facing new federal roadblocks to their work to respond to sexual assault. However, local progress continues. On Monday, the Public Safety Commission convened their second discussion of local data related to sex crimes. The commission…

Public Safety • By Mina Shekarchi • Jul 10, 2025

Elon Musk narrowly wins fight against neighbors over Austin-area home

One of the richest men in the world just won a fight against a handful of his neighbors in Texas. On Wednesday evening, the West Lake Hills City Council voted to allow Elon Musk to keep most of the fencing and gates he has built at…

Planning • By Lauren McGaughy, The Texas Newsroom • Jul 10, 2025

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Urban Transportation Commission calls on city to narrow traffic lanes

The Urban Transportation Commission wants to see narrower Austin roads, and they have research to back the idea up. Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution recommending that the city adopt a 1- to 2-foot narrower standard for traffic lanes in many…

Roads • By Miles Wall • Jul 9, 2025

Convention Center redevelopment explores options for two Downtown landmarks in its path

As Austin moves full steam ahead with plans to nearly double the size of its Convention Center, city staff are scrambling to keep two historic structures off its list of potential casualties. Located just across Red River from the existing…

Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Jul 9, 2025

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Live Music Fund reforms see improved compliance among local musicians

City staff told members of the Music Commission on Monday that nearly all recipients in the current cycle of the city’s Live Music Fund grant program are in compliance with reporting requirements — a marked improvement from the program’s pilot…

Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 8, 2025

Firefighters to seek firing of Chief Baker

Austin Firefighters Association President Bob Nicks will hold a press conference today to discuss the removal of Fire Chief Joel Baker from his position. Nicks told the Austin Monitor that Baker issued a standing order on June 6 that prevented…

Fire • By Jo Clifton • Jul 7, 2025

With cap of $687M, bond task force to weigh $4.4B in city needs

Over this summer, the Bond Election Advisory Task Force will begin to evaluate a narrowed list of capital needs for the City of Austin’s 2026 bond election, following the delivery of a $4.4 billion needs assessment from city staff later…

Bonds & Propositions • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 6, 2025

Ahead of holiday weekend, San Marcos starts charging nonresidents to park at popular tubing spot

Out-of-towners looking to cool off by the San Marcos River or go tubing this Fourth of July weekend may have to pay to park this year. Parking fees for nonresidents went into effect Tuesday at City Park, the most popular…

Parks • By Maya Fawaz, KUT • Jul 3, 2025

Office slowdown sparks new downtown housing ambitions

Downtown Austin leaders are increasingly focused on residential development as a way to stabilize the city’s core, as office vacancy rates remain stubbornly high and some buildings struggle to find tenants at all. With more than one-fifth of downtown office…

Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 2, 2025

After years of dysfunction, Austin Police and the Travis County DA say they're trying to mend fences

The relationship between the Travis County District Attorney’s office and the Austin Police Department is fraught. It has been since José Garza was elected DA in 2020. Indictments, bungled prosecutions and miscommunication have all played a hand in the less-than-functional relationship between the two…

Public Safety • By Austin Monitor • Jul 1, 2025

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Nonprofit spotlight: Four questions for American Gateways

American Gateways ensures access to the justice system for low-income immigrants. We serve 23 counties in Central Texas and provide high-quality legal representation and accurate information about what is happening in our immigration system. What is the mission of American…