Business leaders see continued growth with airport's expansion plans
Even with expansion plans somewhat scaled back because of the financial impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, local business leaders see the continued growth of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport as vital to the region’s long-term economic prospects. At a recent panel held…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 28, 2022
Travis County study finds it's cheaper to prevent than clean up illegal dumping
Travis County’s illegal dumping problem could be solved with a quick fix, a recent study suggests. By spending more on preemptive measures, the county could save money and prevent illegal dumping, thus solving two problems with a single stroke. At…
Environment • By Seth Smalley • Mar 28, 2022
An inflexible code puts small landlord’s business at risk
Prospective salon tenants have been knocking on the door of Stephen Straus’ charming house-turned-office at 3402 Kerbey Lane for months, only to be turned away because of the city’s rigid land development rules. Though a salon would be an ideal…
Zoning • By Jonathan Lee • Mar 28, 2022
As Austin-area evictions rise, lawyers are on hand (virtually) to help tenants
Travis County eviction court has looked different during the pandemic. Hearings, for the most part, have been held virtually; people can log in from anywhere and learn if they have to be out of their house. Standing in a parking…
Housing • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Mar 25, 2022
Council pushes for plans to hire more lifeguards
The city of Austin, which operates 45 aquatic facilities, is desperately seeking lifeguards. Parks and Recreation Department spokeswoman Kanya Lyons told the Austin Monitor Thursday that her department still needs to hire 614 more lifeguards. Ideally, the city would like to have…
Parks • By Jo Clifton • Mar 25, 2022
Proposed VMU changes stir compatibility controversy
The Planning Commission has recommended changes to the Vertical Mixed-Use density bonus program to let developers build taller in exchange for more affordable housing – but only after animated discussion about compatibility standards. The proposed change, if passed into ordinance…
Land Development Code • By Jonathan Lee • Mar 25, 2022
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Austin Habitat for Humanity gets windfall $8.5 million donation
Austin Habitat for Humanity has received an $8.5 million gift, a much-needed investment that will help the local affiliate expand the number of houses it can build and the number of Austin community members it can serve. Philanthropist and novelist…
Housing • By Willow Higgins • Mar 25, 2022
Community leaders release 'red flags' report on Central Health
Leaders of the NAACP Austin and Texas League of United Latin American Citizens District VII released a scathing report Wednesday on Central Health’s financial and operational activities. The organizations called on the Travis County Commissioners Court to order a “comprehensive,…
Public Health • By Jo Clifton • Mar 24, 2022
Local health officials lift Covid-19 restrictions as infections hit record low
Lee esta historia en español. Health officials in Austin and Travis County announced Wednesday that they are lifting “all Covid-19 emergency rules and orders, effective immediately.” Masking is now optional in most city facilities, except for the airport, clinical settings…
Public Health • By Ashley Lopez, KUT • Mar 24, 2022
Council cautiously supports city's look into blockchain, crypto
City Council members want city staff to move very deliberately if a pair of resolutions are passed today that encourage exploration into the use of blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies in the coming years. At Tuesday’s work session, discussion on the…
City Hall • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 24, 2022
West Sixth Street's Iron Bear faces demolition
The Iron Bear, an LGBTQ-friendly bar “for bears, by bears” that is open to all, is facing the prospect of relocating. A permit to demolish the bar’s West Sixth location is currently being reviewed by the city. The demolition permit…
Preservation • By James Christenson • Mar 24, 2022
TipSheet: Austin City Council, 3.24.22
Having regrouped from a quick spring break that included the return of South by Southwest, Austin City Council will convene today for its regular meeting. As usual, a number of items struck our fancy, and they are duly noted on…
