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City, police union tussle over increased oversight, officers’ rights
The city of Austin has proposed changes to its labor contract with the Austin Police Association that its bargaining team said would improve the transparency of administrative investigations and other disciplinary decisions involving police officers. The police union’s bargaining team…
Police • By Emma Freer • Jun 24, 2022
Austin Energy ramps up outreach for proposed rate changes
Austin Energy has entered the public hearing phase of its base rate review process, following its proposal to raise service costs. The monthslong dialogue with stakeholders and city staff, slated for resolution by City Council in November, has surfaced predictable…
Energy • By Kali Bramble • Jun 23, 2022
Why high gas prices aren't hitting Capital Metro ... yet
As gas prices hover near record highs, taking a big chomp out of many household budgets, the region’s public transit agency is sending hundreds of buses into the streets every day topped off with diesel costing less than $2 a…
Transit • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Jun 23, 2022
Austin endorses tax exemption for menstrual products
City Council members approved a resolution Thursday endorsing the removal of sales tax for menstrual products and diapers. As the resolution states, “Menstrual products and diapers are necessary to daily life for millions of Texans, and these taxes create an…
City Council • By Veronica Apodaca • Jun 23, 2022
East Austin townhomes move forward with relaxed compatibility
A plan to build townhomes in the Chestnut neighborhood is moving forward with the unanimous blessing of the Planning Commission, which granted permission to build closer to nearby homes than would normally be allowed. Developers of the project at 1400…
Land Development Code • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jun 23, 2022
Incoming code amendments will set higher bar for watershed protections
Following a direction passed by City Council earlier this month, the Watershed Protection Department has kept busy refining a number of Land Development Code amendments to further the city’s environmental goals. Deputy Environmental Officer Liz Johnston stopped by the Environmental…
Environment • By Kali Bramble • Jun 22, 2022
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STI testing unit to get location in downtown Austin
City Council members approved a resolution Thursday designating a parking spot for mobile STI testing and other sexual health care services, to be located in downtown Austin to make the testing easily accessible to city residents. The resolution comes shortly…
Public Health • By Veronica Apodaca • Jun 22, 2022
City to study Fleet Services site for housing
In the continuing effort to find ways to create more affordable housing, City Council directed City Manager Spencer Cronk last week to assess the site that currently houses Fleet Mobility Services as a possible location for housing. The department at…
Planning • By Jo Clifton • Jun 22, 2022
Potential Austin ISD bond proposal could include funding to help teachers with housing
The Austin ISD Board of Trustees will decide later this summer whether to include a bond package on the ballot in November. A bond allows the school district to borrow money to cover the cost of capital expenditures, such as…
Bonds & Propositions • By Becky Fogel, KUT • Jun 21, 2022
City continues battle against toxic algae, zebra mussels
Despite record high temperatures, crowds are carrying on with Austin summertime traditions, flocking to cool off by Barton Creek and the Colorado River. Brent Bellinger, a reservoir ecologist for the city, stopped by Wednesday’s Environmental Commission meeting to share a…
Environment • By Kali Bramble • Jun 21, 2022
Study points to transportation, education needs for disabled community
Preliminary findings from a quality-of-life study for Austin residents with disabilities suggest the city needs to improve transportation options, expand educational opportunities and improve communications with the larger disabled community. Last week, at a combined meeting of the Mayor’s Committee…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 21, 2022
Council OKs first use of Project Connect money for housing
With little fanfare Thursday, City Council, acting as the board of the Austin Housing Finance Corporation, approved using Project Connect anti-displacement dollars for the first time to purchase apartment complexes for low-income residents. The two complexes AHFC will acquire are…
