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Latest Headlines for Thursday, February 20

Equity overlay study draws criticism from Community Development Commission

The ongoing study of a potential equity overlay in East Austin is drawing concerns from residents and commissioners over its slow pace and lack of direct community engagement. At a recent meeting of the Community Development Commission, representatives from Atlanta-based…

Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Feb 19, 2025

Commercial EV station moves forward despite opposition

After the Planning Commission denied the request for a commercial electric-vehicle charging lot in East Austin last April, the project is moving forward based on an ordinance passed by City Council. Last April, the Planning Commission voted 7-3-3 to deny…

Land Development Code • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Feb 19, 2025

Federal cuts slash more than $2M from Foundation Communities' health navigator program

The Foundation Communities nonprofit is facing a substantial financial setback after the Trump administration announced a 90 percent reduction in funding for health insurance navigator grants. The cuts, revealed last Friday, eliminate nearly all funding for 56 programs nationwide that…

Public Health • By Chad Swiatecki • Feb 19, 2025

Austin Animal Services Office releases fiscal year statistical report and waives adoption fees

Due to consistent overcrowding, the Austin Animal Center has waived adoption fees for the foreseeable future. Numbers from the Austin Animal Services Office’s statistical report for Fiscal Year 2025 show a continued need for adoptions. Austin Animal Services Office released…

Austin • By Hunter Simmons • Feb 19, 2025

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,…

More Headlines for November 2024 elections

APD won’t enforce SB 14 as Paxton and Trump further attack gender-affirming health care

Last week, two federal judges issued temporary restraining orders on an executive order by the Trump administration that would have blocked federal funding for gender-affirming care for minors. That means that – for now – any health care provider or…

Public Health • By Lina Fisher • Feb 18, 2025

Council approves call for better coordination, planning among downtown projects

The city hopes to bring coordination to the many high-profile projects taking over downtown Austin in the coming years, with the city manager charged with determining the budgetary and planning resources needed throughout the district. On Thursday, City Council approved…

City Council • By Chad Swiatecki • Feb 18, 2025

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Austin ISD announces hiring freeze as budget deficit grows to $110 million

Lee esta historia en español Austin ISD will institute a districtwide hiring freeze on March 1 as the school district tries to claw its way out of a financial hole that has grown deeper since the 2024-25 budget was approved in…

Budget • By Becky Fogel, KUT • Feb 18, 2025

Burnet Middle School on track for head-to-toe modernization project

A major glow-up is on the horizon for Burnet Middle School, with plans for a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility poised to break ground this summer. The Historic Landmark Commission got a rundown on the $158 million project last week when a…

Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Feb 18, 2025

Planning Commission hears complaints, offers amendments on new STR ordinance in marathon hearing

Over the course of more than three hours, the Planning Commission heard often rancorous public comments on a new ordinance that would regulate short-term rentals, then voted to recommend 11 of their own amendments to the ordinance at its regular…

Housing • By Miles Wall • Feb 14, 2025

How Trump’s federal funding freeze is beginning to affect Austin

On Jan. 31, a U.S. district judge granted a temporary restraining order prohibiting the Trump administration from implementing a slew of executive orders that would freeze federal funding programs that allow access to health care, housing, education and other basic…

Austin • By Lina Fisher • Feb 14, 2025

Austin just made it illegal to park in bike lanes

Austin City Council has approved a rule making it illegal to park in a bike lane. Thursday’s unanimous vote means violators will be ticketed and fined. Fines could range from $50 to $300. Council Member Paige Ellis said several people…

Transportation • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Feb 14, 2025

Evaluation will resume this month on proposal to consolidate and eliminate some boards and commissions

Discussions about a proposal from Council Member Ryan Alter to revamp the city’s citizen advisory boards are set to continue. In a City Council Message Board post on Wednesday, Alter provided an update on his December resolution (which Council unanimously…

City Hall • By Mina Shekarchi • Feb 14, 2025