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Developers join city in considering climate resiliency as Austin grows
While the city considers its options for dealing with extreme weather and increasing resiliency across the area, the same questions about the role of climate change in large-scale building projects are top of mind for developers and financial leaders active…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 22, 2024
Planning Commission endorses multifamily project in Montopolis
Despite some consternation about the impact to the neighborhood in terms of scale and potential for displacement, Planning Commission members have voted in support of a new multifamily development on Montopolis Drive between Caddie and Fairway streets. The project is…
Zoning • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 22, 2024
Austin ISD is asking voters to approve a new tax rate to help fund pay raises, reduce deficit
The Austin ISD school board is asking voters to approve a higher property tax rate in November that would increase the district’s revenue by tens of millions of dollars. That money would be used to give more than 60 percent…
AISD • By Becky Fogel, KUT • Aug 21, 2024
Case study offers early praise for the structure and organization of Project Connect
A new report from an advocacy group in support of mass transit projects across the country has praised Austin’s Project Connect initiative, which is still roughly a decade away from realizing its goal of providing light-rail service through the city.…
Transportation • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 21, 2024
East Austin church rezoning reveals cracks in DB90
Plans to expand an East Austin church are moving forward, but not before they sparked criticism of the city’s new density bonus program, DB90, at the Planning Commission last week. Christ Church of Central Austin, which is located at San…
Zoning • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 21, 2024
Save Our Springs Alliance files another lawsuit against City Council over Open Meetings Act
Claiming that City Council has again violated the Texas Open Meetings Act, the Save Our Springs Alliance on Monday filed a lawsuit seeking to block the city’s placement of 13 proposed charter amendments on the November ballot. It is the…
Courts • By Amy Smith • Aug 20, 2024
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Project Connect anti-displacement funding gets close look from Community Development Commission
Members of the Community Development Commission have requested more information from city staff about the decision-making process for spending Project Connect funds intended to preserve or create affordable housing near the mass transit system. Last week, the commission received a…
Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 20, 2024
Watershed Protection details preparation for Old Lampasas Dam repairs
The Watershed Protection Department appears to ready to move ahead with the start of the Old Lampasas Dam #3 Modernization Project, having completed the diligence called for by City Council this spring. In a memo released Monday, WPD Director Jorge…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 20, 2024
Umlauf Vision Plan aims to revive iconic sculptor's home and studio as museum
Plans to significantly expand the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum are continuing to drum up enthusiasm, with Historic Landmark commissioners granting the project their blessing last week. The Umlauf Historic Preservation, Expansion, and Unification Plan hopes to add thousands of…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Aug 19, 2024
Council formally authorizes November election with 13 proposed charter amendments
City of Austin voters will face a loaded ballot in November, with 13 charter amendments to be decided as well as a full slate of political races to elect a mayor and five City Council members. City Council last week…
Bonds & Propositions • By Amy Smith • Aug 19, 2024
Builders can now construct homes on less land, as Austin’s new minimum lot size goes into effect
A controversial rule that lowers the amount of land needed to build one house in Austin goes into effect Friday. Landowners wanting to build a home in some city neighborhoods will now need 1,800 square feet of land, about two-thirds…
Housing • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Aug 16, 2024
Taxes are rising, as are charges for city services
Money paid by city of Austin taxpayers and Austin residents who pay monthly bills for water and wastewater, electricity, trash and recycling collection (as well as a drainage utility fee and a clean community fee) will see their cost-of-living increase…
