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Equity overlay study prompts request for Council to further delay HOME2 implementation

The Community Development Commission wants City Council to further delay implementation of the second round of HOME initiative changes to the land use code, out of concern that more time is needed to properly design an equity overlay to address…

Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Nov 18, 2024

Kirk Watson avoids runoff, secures new term as Austin mayor

Kirk Watson has officially won a new term as Austin’s next mayor. Watson led his four challengers on Nov. 5, but did not have enough votes to claim victory outright. He had to win a majority of the vote, or…

Elections • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Nov 15, 2024

Travis County voters supported a tax rate increase to expand access to affordable child care. What happens now?

Last week, approximately 60 percent of Travis County voters approved Proposition A – a property tax increase that will expand access to affordable child care and after-school/summer programs for lower-income families. The tax increase ($0.025 per $100 valuation for a…

Bonds & Propositions • By Mina Shekarchi • Nov 15, 2024

On second try, Tourism Commission votes in favor of equity-based preservation plan

The Tourism Commission has changed its stance from last month and approved a recommendation that City Council adopt the Planning Department’s Equity-Based Preservation Plan, which intended to guide the city’s use of hotel taxes dedicated toward historic preservation. Last month,…

Preservation • By Chad Swiatecki • Nov 15, 2024

County renews opioid overdose crisis declaration, funds more harm reduction

On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to extend its opioid overdose crisis declaration to October 2026 and to authorize $100,000 worth of naloxone, a lifesaving overdose reversal drug, as well as $100,000 – and possibly another $300,000…

Public Health • By Lina Fisher • Nov 15, 2024

Planning Commission postpones East Austin rezoning decision after clerical error

After more than half a dozen community members took the dais to speak against an East Austin rezoning request, the Planning Commission voted to postpone its decision due to a clerical issue in the agenda. This marks the second consecutive…

Zoning • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Nov 15, 2024

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Planning Commission postpones decision on Anderson Square rezoning

The Planning Commission unanimously voted to postpone a rezoning request for Anderson Square in North Austin after the property owner requested an amendment to the application, seeking to increase the maximum height limits. A 16-acre retail center near the intersection…

Zoning • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Nov 14, 2024

Music Commission to explore opening parks spaces for community, cultural events

The Music Commission has signaled it intends to ask the city to waive fees and streamline the administrative processes involved in allowing small community groups to hold arts and music events in local parks facilities. Last week’s meeting included discussion…

Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Nov 14, 2024

Tree ordinances continue to take root in Austin

Since 2020, Austin’s tree regulations and protections have preserved a total of 1,397,678 inches of trees within city limits. Thus far in Fiscal Year 2025, 4,670 inches of trees have been surveyed and 4,250 inches have been preserved, with 91…

Environment • By Hunter Simmons • Nov 14, 2024

Latest State of Downtown report shows the city core's businesses and housing are in transition

The latest report on downtown Austin’s economic and cultural health shows the city core is seeing ongoing vacancies and low utilization of office space in a trend that has caused a flattening of many indicators of business activity. That analysis…

Development • By Chad Swiatecki • Nov 13, 2024

Council gives first reading OK to major development on tiny slice of land

On a vote of 8-3, City Council last week approved on first reading a major change for a small sliver of property at 1209 W. Fifth St. The change would allow the developer to build up to 120 feet, a…

Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Nov 13, 2024

City’s new travel policy aligns with best practices used in other cities

The city’s travel reimbursement process for employees appears to be working well since the policy was updated early this year, according to an audit of the new policy presented Tuesday to City Council’s Audit and Finance Committee. While the audit…

Austin • By Amy Smith • Nov 13, 2024

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