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New zoning would allow huge building on South Congress

At the last meeting before the Nov. 5 election, City Council spent more than 11 hours in chambers, with most of their time being devoted to the contract with the Austin Police Association, which they approved. But with a barely…

Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Oct 29, 2024

City shares update on parks-nonprofit relationships

During a special called meeting of City Council’s Audit and Finance Committee on Oct. 9, three speakers stated their concerns about the relationship between the Parks Department and its nonprofit partners, specifically regarding special events and the Trail of Lights.…

Parks • By Mina Shekarchi • Oct 29, 2024

EPA's Low Embodied Carbon Construction Materials Program funds research at UT-Austin

The Joint Sustainability Committee heard a presentation on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Low Embodied Carbon Construction Materials Program at its most recent meeting on Oct. 23. The briefing was an opportunity for committee members to learn about the program, which…

Environment • By Hunter Simmons • Oct 29, 2024

City Council moves to complete purchase of combined public safety headquarters

The city is moving ahead with the planned purchase of a combined public safety campus located in four existing office buildings on South MoPac Expressway in District 8. Late during Thursday’s City Council meeting, after several hours of public comment…

City Council • By Chad Swiatecki • Oct 28, 2024

Council approves initiative that aims to protect renters from hidden fees

Over opposition from the Austin Apartment Association, City Council passed a resolution Thursday designed to protect renters from unexpected fees tied to lease agreements. The agenda item, sponsored by Council Member Ryan Alter, directs the city manager to work with…

Housing • By Amy Smith • Oct 28, 2024

As voters weigh higher tax rate for Austin public schools, group of former trustees raises concerns

Voters are deciding whether to approve a tax rate increase that would generate new revenue for Central Texas’ largest public school district as it grapples with a $119 million budget deficit. Austin Independent School District officials have said that shortfall…

Bonds & Propositions • By Becky Fogel, KUT • Oct 28, 2024

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Austin City Council passes new police contract

Austin City Council approved a five-year, $218 million contract with the city’s police union Thursday. The deal passed on a 10-1 vote. The approval came after hours of impassioned testimony from scores of Austinites. Supporters argued the contract is necessary…

Police • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Oct 25, 2024

New scenarios for HealthSouth site could revive redevelopment push from Council

A pair of new scenarios for redeveloping the former HealthSouth properties downtown could revive the city’s efforts to use the sites to provide hundreds of units of affordable housing. A memo released last week from Mandy DeMayo, interim director of…

Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Oct 25, 2024

West Travis County Public Utility Agency postpones vote on controversial pipeline for luxury resort

After years of speculation, Dallas billionaire Steve Winn is pursuing his dream of bringing luxury to the Hill Country, with plans to develop a sprawling upscale resort on 1,400 acres just south of Hamilton Pool. But given the backlash it…

Development • By Kali Bramble • Oct 25, 2024

Planning Commission postpones commercial rezoning of East Austin church

Though the Planning Commission voted at its most recent meeting to recommend commercial rezoning for the Alpha Seventh Day Adventist Church property on 51st Street, a posting error means that vote will need to take place again. The church community…

Zoning • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Oct 25, 2024

With backing from a Parkland survivor, Travis County begins hospital-based gun violence prevention program

Back in 2022, the Travis County Commissioners Court passed the Safer Travis County resolution, aimed at reducing gun violence, at the time – and still – the leading cause of non-accidental death in the county. The resolution included two pilot…

Public Health • By Lina Fisher • Oct 24, 2024

Convention center rebuild loses proposed hotel, housing projects due to 2029 reopening

Leaders of the Austin Convention Center have eliminated the possibility of a new hotel or market-rate housing as a portion of the $1 billion-plus project, which is set to begin a four-year teardown and rebuild next April. A memo released…

Development • By Chad Swiatecki • Oct 24, 2024

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