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Council adopts public safety initiative to address vacancy concerns
With staffing challenges at a critical juncture in each of Austin’s three public safety departments, City Council has directed the city manager to build a comprehensive plan to address the shortages. The ATX Public Safety Vacancy Staffing Plan lays out…
Public Safety • By Amy Smith • Feb 23, 2022
Ledesma-Woody says she's still in county commissioner race
Susanna Ledesma-Woody, who is running to unseat Margaret Gómez, the incumbent Travis County commissioner for Precinct 4, has erroneously filed a form indicating she does not intend to accept any future political contributions or make any expenditures. Ledesma-Woody told the…
Elections • By Jo Clifton • Feb 23, 2022
ZAP OKs live music, alcohol sales at soccer-themed food court
The Zoning and Platting Commission on Feb. 15 recommended allowing live music and additional cocktail lounge space at the Pitch, a food court concept next to Austin FC’s training center. The Pitch, which opened earlier this month, features an outdoor…
Zoning • By Jonathan Lee • Feb 23, 2022
Former Texas state Sen. Kirk Watson running for Austin mayor
Former state Sen. Kirk Watson, who served as Austin mayor from 1997 to 2001, announced Tuesday he is launching a bid for his old job. “It’s official, I’m running to be the next Austin mayor!” Watson posted on Twitter. “Austin…
Elections • By James Barragán, The Texas Tribune • Feb 23, 2022
Here's what we know about APD officers facing charges for using beanbag rounds in 2020 protests
Nineteen Austin police officers face criminal charges for the use of so-called “less lethal” ammunition on demonstrators during racial justice protests in 2020. Police use of the lead-pellet bags, which were fired from shotguns, severely injured protesters, at least 19…
Police • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Feb 22, 2022
HEAL Initiative for the unhoused turns one year old
About a year has passed since Austin City Council adopted the HEAL Initiative, which is designed to connect houseless people living in encampments to housing or shelter and supportive services. The Housing-Focused Encampment Assistance Link, or HEAL as it is known, is…
Austin • By Willow Higgins • Feb 22, 2022
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Austin joins growing list of cities eliminating library late fines
An ordinance eliminating late fees at the Austin Public Library has received unanimous approval from City Council, making Austin the latest of nearly 400 cities across the country to adopt such a policy. The ordinance, sponsored by Council Member Kathie…
City Council • By Kali Bramble • Feb 22, 2022
Cap Metro service changes disproportionately affect poor people
During last week’s board meeting, Capital Metro officials revealed poor populations were more affected by service changes in certain commuter lines. However, due to existing alternate routes, the transit agency plans to keep the changes in place. The analysis examined…
Transit • By Seth Smalley • Feb 22, 2022
Downtown court location decision postponed again
Responding to pleas from downtown residents and business owners, City Council has once again put off a decision about the new location of a court that primarily serves Austin’s homeless community. City staffers have recommended that the Downtown Austin Community…
City Council • By Jo Clifton • Feb 18, 2022
Environmental Commission recommends denial of city water services to entertainment complex
Plans to develop 70 acres adjacent to the Barton Creek Habitat Preserve into a mega entertainment complex went off course last night when the Environmental Commission unanimously voted to recommend denying the request to extend water and wastewater service to the…
Planning • By Willow Higgins • Feb 18, 2022
DA says grand jury indicting 'multiple' Austin police officers for injuries during 2020 protests
A Travis County grand jury is expected to indict “multiple” Austin police officers accused of injuring people during the 2020 protests following the killing of George Floyd. In announcing the indictments, Travis County District Attorney José Garza said “multiple indictments…
Police • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Feb 18, 2022
ZAP disapproves of rezoning for cliffside condos
Should extreme topography influence whether or not to grant a rezoning? That was the main question the Zoning and Platting Commission wrestled with Tuesday over a request to rezone a property at 4833 Spicewood Springs Road to allow 20 condo…
