The Animal Advisory Commission last week voted to form a working group dedicated to examining the city’s protocol on euthanizing injured deer. Former commissioner and North Austin resident Craig Nazor brought the issue before the commission at its meeting on Dec. 11. He told the commission that he lives near Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park and […]
2023
Posted inWhispers
This year’s lights on 37th Street event is closed to cars
For this year’s annual holiday lights on 37th Street, residents of Austin’s twinkliest block have partnered with the city’s Living Streets Program to close the street to car traffic during event hours. The Living Streets Program envisions local streets as places where communities can walk, bike, gather and connect. The annual event, which dates back […]
Posted inTravis County
Howard proudly ruffling feathers her third year in office
For Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard, this year was all about employing the institutional knowledge she gained over her first two years in office. “You know, I found the bathrooms and the light switches, and I’m sort of recognizing the themes and the issues, knowing who to call and understanding where my colleagues are coming […]
Posted inTravis County
Shea continues search for creative solutions to climate crisis
As an environmentalist, Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea spends a lot of time thinking about worst-case scenarios. Still, the commissioner’s approach to leadership is far from doom and gloom. In fact, as the climate crisis worsens across the globe, Shea is driven by her search for creative solutions within Travis County borders. The county got […]
Posted inWhispers
Chito Vela running for reelection
Chito Vela, the District 4 City Council member who took over the seat after a special election to replace Greg Casar when he vacated the post to successfully run for Congress, is reaching out to raise funds for his reelection campaign. Vela won the seat two years ago, with the support of the Austin Firefighters […]
Posted inWhispers
Repairs on William Cannon Railroad Overpass continue into next phase
The next phase of the William Cannon Railroad Overpass is underway and expected to be wrapped up by April. In early December, the Capital Delivery Services Department completed the first phase of stabilization of the overpass, and the next step includes replacement of the sidewalk and the wall cap, adding a traffic barrier and a […]
Posted inElections
Political parties reach joint primary agreement to preserve countywide voting
After weeks of unusual delay, Democrats and Republicans in Travis County entered into a joint agreement on Tuesday that will preserve countywide voting and electronic ballots in the March 2024 primary election. These agreements set the rules by which the Travis County Clerk’s Office administers the primary elections. But the Travis County Republican Party’s push […]
Posted inZoning
Council OKs Affordability Unlocked plan despite neighbors’ objections
City Council last week approved a zoning change and neighborhood plan amendment that will allow a developer to build a five-story apartment complex just west of the intersection of South First Street and Eberhart Lane. The vote was 9-0, with Council Member Alison Alter abstaining and Council Member Ryan Alter absent. Because there were nine […]
Posted inAustin
Life sciences talk brings major development news at Urban Land Institute panel
The life sciences industry in Austin is so active and bustling with deals and investments that, over the course of an hour’s discussion last week, leaders in the field dropped a pair of hints about forthcoming significant developments for the local economy. At Urban Land Institute Austin’s monthly panel discussion on the area’s future as […]
Posted inWhispers
ABIA advises on smooth(er) holiday travel
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is expected to break its record for the most travelers in one year, with about 1 million more in 2023 compared to 2022. The holiday travel season is always crunch time regardless, so the airport has sent an advisory to make this year’s holiday go a little more smoothly. Basically, plan ahead, […]
Posted inEducation
Austin to offer free library cards to people outside the city
People who live outside the city will soon no longer have to pay $120 for an Austin public library card. City Council voted to remove the fees last week after the Library Commission recommended the change. In their recommendation, commissioners said Austin Public Library is committed to equity, which includes removing barriers that prevent access […]
Posted inWhispers
Ann Kitchen is Central Health Board of Managers’ new chair
The Central Health Board of Managers has elected a new chair to succeed its retiring leader. Ann Kitchen will follow Dr. Charles Bell as the board chair of Travis County’s hospital district, which provides health care and coverage to people with low income. After eight years as a City Council member representing South Austin, Kitchen […]