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Prop B would allow the city of Austin to ‘swap’ one piece of land for another. Here are three things to know.
The city of Austin wants a piece of land to make into a park. And it’s trying to put a sweet deal on the table to make that happen. That’s the crux of Proposition B. But man, is it confusing.…
Bonds & Propositions • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Oct 19, 2021
Chacon gives progress report on making Sixth Street safer
After decades of discussion about the culture and safety of the Sixth Street entertainment district, a team of city staffers from multiple departments is making headway toward carrying out City Council-directed measures to ensure the public’s safety. Council adopted a…
Public Safety • By Amy Smith • Oct 19, 2021
Council gives initial approval to denser zoning on S. Lamar site
Last Thursday, Council gave first reading approval to rezoning of about 3 acres of land close to the intersection of South Lamar and Menchaca. Developer John Warnock promises to provide 10 percent of an estimated 450 apartment units to renters…
Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Oct 19, 2021
County votes to decommission 48 jail beds
Travis County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution on Oct. 12 to decommission and remove 48 beds from Building 250 in the Travis County Correctional Complex in Del Valle. The building will continue to exist and be operated by the Travis County Sheriff’s…
Public Safety • By Seth Smalley • Oct 19, 2021
Environmental, neighborhood groups call for 'rewilding' Zilker Park
One of the city’s main environmental groups hopes to increase biodiversity and reduce the impact of visitors to Zilker Park by pushing for more natural growth of trees and other plant life in the popular central city park. The Save Our…
Parks • By Chad Swiatecki • Oct 18, 2021
Council approves flood resilience resolution ahead of anniversary of devastating floods
As Austin’s southernmost districts remained under flash flood warning last Thursday, City Council took further steps toward flood resilience measures designed to better prepare the city for natural disasters. Led by District 2’s Vanessa Fuentes, Council unanimously adopted a resolution…
City Council • By Kali Bramble • Oct 18, 2021
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New report underscores inequities for Latinos in Central Texas
Systemic and racial barriers have made it harder for the Latino community to excel in Central Texas, according to a new report from the Hispanic Impact Fund of the Austin Community Foundation. Building a Thriving Central Texas: Advancing Latino Futures takes…
Austin • By Willow Higgins • Oct 18, 2021
EMS union joins firefighters in opposing Prop A
The political action committee for the Austin EMS employees union has voted to join the Austin Firefighters Association PAC and AFSCME Local 1624, the civilian employees union, in opposing Proposition A on the November ballot. Save Austin Now, the PAC…
Bonds & Propositions • By Jo Clifton • Oct 15, 2021
Downtown business report finds problems for daytime demand, music venues
A new report on Austin’s downtown economy finds that there is a persistent weakness in weekday business, and that entertainment businesses concentrated around East Sixth and Red River streets have been slow to recover from effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Oct 15, 2021
Rezoning to bring back Austin Opry House headed for Council vote
The revival of storied music venue Austin Opry House moved one step closer to reality Tuesday when the Planning Commission recommended rezoning the site at 200 Academy Drive to make way for a mixed-use development. Beyond reviving the 1,200-capacity venue,…
Planning • By Jonathan Lee • Oct 15, 2021
City adopts resolution to expedite supportive housing for homeless
City Council adopted a resolution in September establishing an expedited review and prioritization program for residential developments that provide housing for the homeless. Mayor Steve Adler sponsored the resolution, along with Council members Kathie Tovo, Ann Kitchen, Pio Renteria, and…
City Council • By Andrew Logan • Oct 15, 2021
Council pushes Music Commission for further review of funds to promote industry growth
City Council has asked the Music Commission to take another look at the proposed guidelines for the new Live Music Fund, with some on the dais questioning whether the program fits the intent of Council action taken two years ago…
