Callout: Today’s newsletter is supported by “Austin Parks Foundation’s Party for the Parks”
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Quote of the Day
“Should this event continue, one thing I will tell them is, ‘Here’s what you might wanna consider doing moving forward,’ in terms of how you’re providing information to the vendor and your expectations on minimum pay for performers at the event… What is sad to me is that anyone is walking away thinking that we wanted to do anything other than pay people fairly and pay people based on our minimums.”
— Public Information Officer Alicia Dean, from ‘Party’ at city hall shorted Council-required payouts to musicians.
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‘Party’ at city hall shorted Council-required payouts to musicians
From Chad Swiatecki:
What he, and many other performers for the day-long event, didn’t know was a 2023 city policy instituted to help local musicians should have caused the four-person lineup to receive $800 total, or more than double the $320 they’d agreed to.
Of the more than a dozen acts who performed at Party At The People’s House on June 28, the Austin Monitor spoke with representatives of three groups who confirmed their negotiations with Almost Real Things, the city-contracted promotion company for the event, were centered around paying less than the $200 hourly minimum that musicians are required to receive for city events.
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Today’s newsletter is supported by “Austin Parks Foundation’s Party for the Parks”
Join Austin Parks Foundation for the 11th Annual Party for the Parks, featuring Passion Pit! This beloved event is happening under the lights at ACL in Zilker Park on Wednesday, October 8th.
Partygoers will enjoy delicious dining options, libations from Austin’s premiere beverage brands, games, a live auction and an intimate concert—all while helping raise funds for our city’s nearly 400 parks, trails and green spaces. Click here to get your tickets and join the fun!
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Challenge to ballot language goes to Texas Supreme Court
The city has prevailed in a lawsuit filed by former mayoral candidate Jeffrey Bowen challenging the proposed ballot language for the November tax rate election. The Texas Third Court of Appeals ruled in the city’s favor on Friday, according to attorney Bill Aleshire, who represents Bowen. In his suit, Bowen told the court the ballot language was “indefinite and vague,” not meeting established legal standards.
Aleshire has now filed an emergency request for a writ of mandamus with the Texas Supreme Court, asking that court to declare Austin’s proposed ballot language inadequate. In explaining the necessity for the unusual lawsuit, Aleshire said via email, “The truth is that the Council’s ballot language imposes no obligation on this Council or future Councils as to how they decide to spend this multi-year, ongoing tax increase. It becomes a new slush fund for use by the Council in any darn way they want. I say to Mayor (Kirk) Watson, if you really trust the voters then tell them the truth on the ballot.”
Watson has expressed confidence in the legality of the ballot language.
State law requires an election if the city seeks to increase property taxes more than 3.5 percent above the current tax rate. City Council approved a budget the upcoming fiscal year that includes a tax rate five cents higher than the current rate, triggering the election. Council has very little time to reconsider the ballot language if ordered to do so. Officials in Travis, Williamson and Hays Counties must prepare ballots by mid to late September.
— Jo Clifton
Heartening wins $10,000 at 2025 Circular Austin Showcase for reuse initiative
Austin Resource Recovery has named Heartening as the winner of the 2025 Circular Austin Showcase, awarding the community-driven reuse initiative a $10,000 grand prize. Heartening works to create a culture of sustainability by giving clothing back to the community freely or at very low cost, powered by volunteers. The pitch competition, held Tuesday in partnership with the Economic Development Department, spotlighted local entrepreneurs advancing business models that reduce waste and extend the life of materials.
Five finalists competed in the showcase, with judges evaluating entries based on viability, fundability, circular economy impact, and community benefits. Frontier Resource Recovery also received a $2,000 award for its biochar solution to address PFAS contamination. Other finalists included Cocarbon, CRAFT, Save the Good Stuff, and Wanderlust Wine Co. The fifth annual event highlights how businesses are helping Austin grow its circular economy while protecting natural resources and reducing waste.
— Chad Swiatecki
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Elsewhere in the News
Hey! There’s a new Luby’s downtown.
KXAN reports that there is a new PAC-backed campaign that backs the upcoming tax rate election with a “Love Austin” message.
Steiner Ranch parents are up in arms about a proposal that would close their elementary school. ($$)
KUT reminds us that Travis County was in favor of secession.
And, it’s September, which means a whole bunch of laws passed this legislative session are now in effect. The Texas Tribune has a rundown of the most significant ones for you.
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