Landmark commission says goodbye to Nau's Enfield Drug
All good things must come to an end, and the time has come for Nau’s Enfield Drug to join the souls of bygone local staples in the mixed-use afterlife. But first, the Historic Landmark Commission hopes the site’s new stewards…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Dec 10, 2024
PARD memo eyes expected 2026 bond package to complete new Dougherty Arts Center
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking toward an expected 2026 bond package to obtain the funding needed to complete the new Dougherty Arts Center, which is slated to be built in two phases in the coming years at a…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Dec 10, 2024
ZAP postpones decision on Panda Express permit as commission fails to approve drive-through
The Zoning and Platting Commission delayed a decision on a conditional use permit for a drive-through at a proposed Panda Express off William Cannon Drive, after commissioners failed to approve the drive-through proposal. The proposed Panda Express would be located…
Development • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Dec 10, 2024
City looks to expand budget, recipients for Live Music Fund
The city appears set to increase the number of awards in its Live Music Fund grant program, with specific considerations given to the needs of veteran and emerging artists looking to promote events or create work that could enhance the…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Dec 9, 2024
TxDOT wants to keep approving its own federal environmental reviews
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is asking the federal government to let the state continue to approve its own environmental reviews – a delegated authority intended to fast-track highway projects. The public has until Monday night to weigh in on the arrangement…
Roads • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Dec 9, 2024
Ryan Alter and colleagues propose revision of boards and commissions
Austin may be known as the Live Music Capital of the World, but it could also be known as the boards and commissions capital. In fact, our city has more than 90 commissions, boards, task forces and other advisory bodies,…
City Hall • By Jo Clifton • Dec 9, 2024
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Austin drinking water testing shows 'forever chemical' levels safer than EPA standards
Austin Water has reported that the city’s public drinking water contains little to no traces of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly called “forever chemicals” because of their persistence. The Water and Wastewater Commission received a briefing from water quality…
Environment • By Hunter Simmons • Dec 6, 2024
ZAP Commission forwards recommendation allowing some commercial uses in residential zones
The Zoning and Platting Commission voted to move forward a recommendation on allowing some commercial uses in residential zones to the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee and Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee. The proposed recommendation allows limited commercial uses in residential…
Development • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Dec 6, 2024
Congress Avenue transformation plan gets support from Urban Transportation Commission
The Urban Transportation Commission has voted to support the proposed transformation of most of the downtown portion of Congress Avenue, turning much of the street into a pedestrian- and multimodal-focused corridor and removing almost all vehicular traffic. The recommendation to…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Dec 6, 2024
Public safety departments show progress in recruitment efforts
White males continue to make up the majority of Austin sworn public safety personnel, but police, fire and emergency medical services appear to be making strides in recruitment and diversification efforts. That was the assessment of some Public Safety Commission…
Police • By Amy Smith • Dec 6, 2024
This fall might've been Austin's warmest. The city says it's ready now for record cold.
Austin and Travis County leaders said they are prepared for potentially record winter weather despite the warm fall. At a news conference Wednesday, Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown said the city and county have several mechanisms…
Austin • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Dec 5, 2024
Council to see requests for Marshalling Yard extension, ECHO's $350M homelessness plan
The Public Health Committee has recommended adopting the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) long-term forecast for addressing homelessness, signaling a commitment to spend an estimated $350 million over the next decade to fill gaps in the city’s homelessness response system.…
