TipSheet: Austin City Council, 4.10.25

Today’s Austin City Council meeting looks to be a rather tame affair, but we’re staying tuned nonetheless. As usual, the entire agenda is posted online, but we’ve read through and made our best guesses at what might be worth a deeper dive.

Today’s agenda is also host to a number of items that will allow Council to amend and update the various technical codes within the city code. Specifically, Council will vote today on the property maintenance, energy, fire, residential, wildland-urban interface, plumbing, swimming pool and spa, mechanical and building codes. For the most part, these changes could be considered updates, but there are a few changes that are worth noting. A new air-conditioning requirement and a change that will allow single-stair buildings up to a proposed five stories are both included in this year’s changes. And the International Energy Conservation Code will include provisions “allowing for readiness for electric vehicles, electric appliances, and energy storage systems,” according to documents related to the agenda.

The focus on Sixth Street continues with a resolution from Council Member Zo Qadri. The resolution asks for comprehensive data from the recent pilot program that opened traffic on the street on weekend nights. It also asks for a plan and cost estimates to widen sidewalks, add bike lanes and greenspace, plus plans to improve parking, transportation and public safety in the area. 

After years and years of discussion, Council will consider applying for a grant that would cover half of the costs to carry out the future vision for Palm Park. The $7.5 million grant would be matched by the city if awarded and comes from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership.

And, in somewhat surprising news that we whispered today, Council will also consider appointing as city clerk current deputy City Clerk Erika Brady, to fill the vacancy created by Myrna Rios.

And, in zoning news, we’re keeping an eye on a controversial change on Manor Road and Airport Boulevard, another DB90 project for Montopolis and one for Far West, and the rezoning of a vacant lot on Bruning Avenue.

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