City Council approved a lengthy legislative agenda Thursday night, with only Council Member Mackenzie Kelly voting no. Though she had proposed an additional task for the city’s legislative team just a few minutes earlier, Kelly voted against adopting the agenda. On Monday, she was visiting Salt Lake City with the Austin Chamber of Commerce, but […]
2022
Posted inWhispers
AUS lands a job fair
There’s a record number of opportunities out there for job-seekers, and one of the best places to learn about them is at a job fair. The latest job fair is a collaboration between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and the city’s aviation department, in an effort to promote the variety of employment opportunities offered by the airport and […]
Posted inEnergy
Impartial examiner report backs up Austin Energy base rate proposal, but critics aren’t giving up
As the November deadline to update utility rates approaches, the pressure is on for Austin Energy and its stakeholders to make their final arguments before city policymakers. Following the release of the impartial hearing examiner’s report earlier this month, participants in the base rate review process stopped by the Electric Utility Commission to break down […]
Posted inHousing
Supportive housing institute to push 550 new units toward city goal of 1,300
The city’s goal to build its way out of its homelessness crisis will get a boost next year from six local organizations going through training from one of the national leaders in creating supportive housing for the homeless. Last week, the Corporation for Supportive Housing announced it is teaming up with the Texas State Affordable […]
Posted inWhispers
Aquifer district elections canceled
Because each precinct only had one candidate file, the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District has canceled its November election. On Sept. 15, the board declared the unopposed candidates elected to their offices, though they will not receive a certificate of election until after the Nov. 8 general election has taken place. The directors are Blayne […]
Posted inWhispers
Will salamanders reveal their secrets?
This month the Wild Neighbors Speaker Series attempts to shed some light on an animal usually associated with the darkness: Texas salamanders. Biologist Ruben Tovar is a Ph.D. candidate at UT Austin who has worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and San Marcos Aquatic Resources Center researching Texas blind salamanders, San Marcos salamanders and Barton Springs salamanders, […]
Posted inCity Council
Austin OKs an automated license plate reader program
Lee esta historia en español. City Council approved a revival of a police department program to use license plate scanners on police cruisers and at fixed points throughout the city. Council agreed Thursday on a one-year pilot program to reinstate the readers, which passively scan license plates in the hopes of assisting police in tracking […]
Posted inCity Council
Amid rising housing costs, Austin increases (slightly) park fees charged to builders
Following a conversation that pitted the amount of parkland in Austin against housing affordability, City Council members on Thursday voted against doubling park fees charged to residential developers. Instead, they opted to raise these fees by 10 percent. The vote was 10 to 1, with Council Member Mackenzie Kelly voting against. “I know there are […]
Posted inWhispers
Resolution raises awareness about human trafficking
In a unanimous vote, City Council has approved a resolution asking the city to reach out to city vendors to raise awareness about human trafficking and provide resources to victims. The resolution, which was sponsored by Council Member Mackenzie Kelly, homes in on nonprofits and vendors working with those experiencing homelessness, as they are a […]
Posted inPlanning
Council gives final OK to East 11th and 12th street district changes
After months of delay, City Council finally concluded passage of a revised urban renewal plan for Central East Austin on Thursday. Despite pleas from residents of the East 11th and 12th street corridor not to allow additional cocktail lounges in their neighborhood, Council adopted the latest plan for the district, including allowing more establishments that […]
Posted inZoning
Affordable housing for survivors of domestic violence planned near Mueller
The Planning Commission unanimously supported a rezoning Tuesday for a mixed-use project that includes affordable housing for survivors of domestic violence. The project, developed by Capital A Housing, is slated for several lots at 5107-5115 Lancaster Court, near Mueller. Plans include two buildings, each about 65 feet tall. One of the buildings will have 60 […]
Posted inWhispers
What do you think about I-35’s future?
Last month, the city of Austin asked for input on the proposed expansion of Interstate 35 through downtown at an event focused on the cap-and-stitch program that seeks to mitigate the impact of expanding the highway through connections across the road. Those who were not able to attend last month’s event now have another chance […]