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Who’s raising money? Campaign finance reports show some surprises
Earlier this week, the Austin Monitor reported on campaign finance tallies for Mayor Kirk Watson, his opponents and candidates for District 7 and District 4. Now it’s time to look at the other races and the surprising fundraising by City…
Elections • By Jo Clifton • Jul 18, 2024
Arts group blasts memo blocking city from purchasing historic church space
The nonprofit Austin Creative Alliance has pushed back against a memo from city staff that appears to have derailed an effort by City Council members to preserve a pair of East Austin properties that serve as the group’s headquarters and…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 18, 2024
Off-leash dogs are everywhere in Austin. What are the rules?
There are few things that bring dog owners more joy than watching their furry friend run toward them with tongue out and ears flapping. But, for nonlovers of dogs or other pet owners, this might not be as joyful. For…
Austin • By Greta Díaz González Vázquez, KUT News • Jul 18, 2024
TipSheet: Austin City Council, 7.18.24
Though City Council members briefly reappeared to help unveil this year’s budget last week, they will have their first regular meeting this week after summer break. As one might expect, the agenda is somewhat overstuffed in an effort to make…
TipSheets • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jul 18, 2024
The two finalists in Austin's police chief search are from Cincinnati and Milwaukee
Lisa Davis, an assistant police chief for the Cincinnati Police Department, and Jeffrey B. Norman, police chief at the Milwaukee Police Department, are the two finalists in Austin’s search for its next police chief. Tuesday’s announcement comes after weeks of…
Police • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Jul 17, 2024
Arts Commission gives early OK for city aid to expand Umlauf museum
The Arts Commission wants City Council to give an initial endorsement to an ambitious plan to improve and expand the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, which is managed in partnership with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. At Monday’s meeting,…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 17, 2024
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With an ambitious food plan ready for adoption, all that's missing is the financing
City Council members heard a briefing Tuesday on a far-reaching food plan designed to eliminate historical barriers to food access in Austin and Travis County. If all goes as planned, the draft proposal will return to City Council on Aug.…
City Council • By Amy Smith • Jul 17, 2024
Facing increased need for power generation, Austin Energy continues to work on climate plan
Austin Energy is working with a variety of community representatives to inform new power generation goals targeting 2035. The city adopted its 2030 plan about five years ago but a number of factors have changed, including increases in peak demand.…
Energy • By Jo Clifton • Jul 17, 2024
Landmark commission considers imposing historic zoning for neglected east side building slated for demolition by Eureka
Dallas-based real estate developer Eureka Holdings is once again ruffling feathers on 12th Street, with an application to demolish a century-old storefront at the Comal Street intersection meeting some resistance from the city’s Historic Landmark Commission. The two-story building has…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Jul 16, 2024
City candidates’ financial filings are in for the latest fundraising period
Monday was the deadline to file campaign finance reports for members of City Council and other candidates in the November election. No one was surprised last week when the Austin Monitor reported that Mayor Kirk Watson had raised more than…
Elections • By Jo Clifton • Jul 16, 2024
Council to consider nearly $2B in airport expansion contracts through late September
This week, City Council is expected to consider four items related to the expansion of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, with nearly $2 billion in spending up for approval by the end of September. The four contracts on Thursday’s agenda total $190…
Transportation • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 16, 2024
Council gives first thoughts on $5.9B draft budget for 2025
The early draft of the city’s 2025 budget weighs in at $5.9 billion, a $400 million increase over the current budget. City Manager T.C. Broadnax said the balanced budget offers increases in city staff compensation and benefits despite lower-than-expected sales…
