Latest Headlines for Saturday, November 23

Council approves updated Water Forward, Conservation and Drought Contingency plans

On Thursday, City Council approved updates to Austin’s Water Forward Plan and to the related Conservation and Drought Contingency plans. Water Forward, Austin’s 100-year integrated water resource plan, was first adopted by the city in 2018, after the record-breaking, nearly…

Austin mayoral candidate Carmen Llanes Pulido's request for recount is denied

A request for a recount in the November general election by Austin mayoral candidate Carmen Llanes Pulido has been denied, city officials said. Llanes Pulido had filed a request Thursday for a recount of the votes in the city’s 11…

Council approves added protections for birds and trees in new construction

Birds and the trees that serve as their habitats gained renewed attention from City Council on Thursday with the approval of two measures calling for enhanced protections for both. For the birds, a resolution sponsored by Mayor Pro Tem Leslie…

City celebrates federal aid to boost community court

District 1 Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison held a press conference Thursday to highlight City Council’s approval of funds from the U.S. Justice Department, which she called “a monumental step forward for the Downtown Austin Community Court.” Council approved acceptance of…

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Featured Collection: November 2024 elections

Siegel, Bledsoe headed for a runoff in District 7

In a crowded race to represent North Central District 7, none of the six contenders managed to snag 50 percent of the vote. As a result, Mike Siegel and Gary Bledsoe will face off in a runoff next month. Siegel,…

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I-35 caps plan reconsidered as cost estimates soar by 61%

Austin’s transformational plan to cover parts of Interstate 35 with parks and public spaces, intended to bridge the divide between east and west neighborhoods, is facing a financial reckoning as estimated costs soar and city staff warn the project could drain…

Council will consider new parks funding and management strategies

On Thursday, City Council is slated to approve a resolution from Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool that directs the city manager to explore new parks funding strategies; to consider a regional approach to parks funding, acquisition and maintenance; and to…

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SOS sues utility to protect Barton Creek Habitat Preserve

The Save Our Springs Alliance has filed suit against the West Travis County Public Utility Agency and its board of directors, challenging the utility’s decision to condemn 2.685 acres of the Barton Creek Habitat Preserve in Southwest Travis County. SOS…

Panelists discuss how to solve Austin's workforce housing crisis

While discussing the housing affordability crisis and its impact on Austin’s essential workers, a local EMS leader captured attention Wednesday morning with her account of how emergency services staff are pushing themselves beyond reasonable limits because of their long commutes…

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TipSheet: Austin City Council, 11.21.24

Austin City Council will convene for their regular meeting today and, per usual, there were a few things that caught our eye that we’ve detailed in this TipSheet. For more information, or to make your own decisions, the entire agenda…

Austin Energy proposes gas peaker units, not larger combined cycle plant

Austin Energy has been working for more than a year – collaborating with stakeholders and looking at a variety of technologies, “including energy efficiency, demand response, batteries, rooftop solar expansion and natural gas peaker units or combined-cycle generation and more”…

Planning Dept. analysis finds historic tax exemptions came largely west of I-35

More than 90 percent of the city’s historic tax exemptions in 2023 went to property owners west of Interstate 35, with a significant portion concentrated in downtown commercial areas, according to a recent analysis conducted by the city’s Planning Department.…

Commission fails to reach recommendation on historic zoning for East Austin house

After a series of votes, the Planning Commission failed to reach a decision on recommending historic zoning for an East Austin house, leaving the issue to be decided by City Council without their input.  The property at 900 Spence St.…

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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…