The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.
Parks board continues debating alcohol sales in parks
The Austin Parks and Recreation Board debated Monday whether to approve a recommendation for City Council to create guidelines for the sale of alcohol in city parks in addition to those already found in city code. The draft recommendation notes…
Parks • By Veronica Apodaca • Jun 29, 2022
City outlines plans for improvements to corridors along 11th and 12th streets
The city has shared some of its initial plans for improving the African American Cultural Heritage District along 11th and 12th streets with place-making, entertainment options and development proposals expected in the coming months. In a memo released last week,…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 29, 2022
Here's where to get a Covid-19 vaccine in Austin for the youngest age group eligible
The federal government this month approved Covid-19 vaccinations for the youngest recipients yet: children ages 6 months to 5 years. Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County health authority, says vaccines for this age group are safe and effective. “We also know…
Public Health • By Emma Williams, KUT • Jun 29, 2022
Consumer advocates warn Austin Energy's rate increase could have devastating impact on residents
As they prepare for next month’s public hearing, participants in Austin Energy’s rate review case are pushing back against a proposal to significantly alter pricing of the city’s electricity supply. The utility proposes to reorganize the five-tiered structure used to…
Energy • By Kali Bramble • Jun 28, 2022
Abortion access resolution gathering steam
City Council Member Chito Vela, the lead sponsor of a resolution discouraging Austin police from investigating allegations concerning abortion, said Monday he expects City Council to consider the resolution at a special meeting held the week of July 18. In…
Public Health • By Jo Clifton • Jun 28, 2022
Capital Metro announces leader of transit police force
The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors has approved Eric Robins, the former chief of police of Sugar Land, Texas, to become the new chief administrator of the Capital Metro transit police. Robins will serve as chief administrator starting…
Transit • By Samuel Stark • Jun 28, 2022
Subscribe to our newsletter
Lawsuit alleges TxDOT's I-35 expansion project is 'clearly violating the law'
Three Texas organizations – Texas Public Interest Research Group, Environment Texas and Rethink35 – have come together to file a lawsuit against the Texas Department of Transportation over its plans to expand Interstate 35. At the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning…
Roads • By Samuel Stark • Jun 27, 2022
Council holds Sixth Street historic district until after summer break
The city will wait until July to consider creating a local historic district along a section of East Sixth Street that has been identified by a Dallas developer as prime for redevelopment. City Council had planned to discuss and take…
Preservation • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 27, 2022
'I'm just in shock': Austinites react to Supreme Court decision ending the constitutional right to abortion
Dawn Hennessey said she was going to cry. “Honestly, I’m just in shock,” Hennessey, who owns a bakery in South Austin, said. “I’m appalled. It’s a setback. We’re gonna have an underground railroad next thing you know. It’s horrifying.” Austinites…
Public Health • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Jun 27, 2022
Austin ISD approves $1.9 billion budget – but nearly half of that money will go to the state
The Austin ISD Board of Trustees voted 7-2 early Friday to adopt a nearly $1.9 billion budget for the upcoming academic year. School board president Geronimo Rodriguez Jr. noted it was the first balanced budget trustees have passed since 2017. Austin…
Budget • By Becky Fogel, KUT • Jun 24, 2022
Cap Metro deploys 'tricked-out' electric vehicle to help drum up community enthusiasm
MEEP isn’t just the sound made by a popular Muppet; it’s also Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s new portable community engagement vehicle created to involve Austinites in programs like Project Connect, the expansion of Austin’s municipal transit system. The Austin Transit…
Transportation • By Samuel Stark • Jun 24, 2022
Austin moves to prepare for climate disasters
City Council passed a resolution at its June 16 meeting to create a disaster preparedness guide and toolkit for the city. The guide, which will be part of the city’s climate response efforts, will instruct residents on how to create local resilience…
