Austin City Council today will consider an overhaul of the city’s short-term rental regulations but is expected to delay implementing most changes until the summer. At Tuesday’s work session, Mayor Kirk Watson suggested pausing the new rules pending the outcome of several STR-related bills before the state Legislature. “There are some key aspects of what […]
Amy Smith
Posted inCity Hall
Audit and Finance seeks more input before voting on board and commission changes
The City Council Audit and Finance Committee on Wednesday deliberated scaling back about two dozen of the city’s boards, commissions and other governmental bodies but ultimately took no action pending further input from the affected groups. The discussion centered on a City Council-approved resolution to consolidate or dissolve up to 36 citizen groups, although Council […]
Posted inLand Development Code
A streamlined approach to infill housing is set for Council action
City Council members received a preview Tuesday of a proposed infill ordinance, or “site plan lite,” aimed at streamlining the approval process for small-scale residential projects. The proposed ordinance on Thursday’s agenda would apply to developments of five to 16 housing units and would allow for flexibility on drainage calculations and greater reliance on private […]
Posted inParks
Encampment cleanup efforts could cost $1.2 million for dedicated team
Austin may establish a dedicated, in-house team to conduct regular cleanups at encampments across the city’s park system. That’s the recommendation laid out in a memo from three department directors in response to a City Council resolution last year calling for increased litter mitigation efforts in city parks. The creation of a special cleanup team […]
Posted inCity Council
Council vows to make homelessness a top financial priority
City Council last week reaffirmed its commitment to tackling Austin’s homelessness crisis, pledging to use a recent data-driven report to guide housing and services investments over the next 10 years. City officials will work with Travis County, service providers and other regional partners to finance upward of $350 million to strengthen the local homelessness response […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Office of Violence Prevention applies public health tenets to help reduce violent crime
Two years ago, following a spate of violent incidents at Givens District Park, the city’s Office of Violence Prevention took action to better understand what was driving crime at the historically significant East Austin park. The OVP partnered with the Parks and Recreation Department, Watershed Protection, Austin Police Department and community groups to conduct outreach, […]
Posted inCity Council
From deep dives to creative thinking, Alison Alter brought an innovative approach to her policy work
When Alison Alter came into office in 2017, her primary issues were parks, climate change and responsible growth. That was just a preview. Over the next eight years, the District 10 City Council member built an expansive policy portfolio that extended well beyond its initial focus. On a late afternoon in December, Alter reflected on […]
Posted inCity Council
Drawing on his last two years, Qadri hopes to expand his leadership on mobility
After a busy year, Zo Qadri has set his sights on taking on more mobility work in 2025. That seems an apt role for the City Council member who represents District 9, which covers Downtown, the University of Texas and much of Central Austin. When the mayor hands down new committee assignments – a decision […]
Posted inCity Council
After a busy 2024, Fuentes looks to take on more leadership roles
With her first term and a smooth reelection behind her, Vanessa Fuentes returns to the dais in January with a fresh to-do list and aspirations of becoming the next mayor pro tem – a symbolic yet highly sought-after position. Taking stock of her work in 2024, the District 2 City Council member reflected on a […]
Posted inElections
Ethics commission dismisses Watson and Greco cases and sets hearing on two other complaints
The city’s bruising election season comes to an end Saturday with a runoff in the District 7 City Council race, but the Ethics Review Commission’s work continues as it considers another round of the season’s ethics violation complaints. So far, the commission has dismissed two complaints and agreed to move forward with final hearings on […]
Posted inPolice
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 members after hearing brief updates from the three departments on Monday. It was the first […]
Posted inParks
Former PARD Director McNeeley resigns from top post at The Trail Conservancy
In a surprising turn of events, Kimberly McNeeley has resigned from her position as CEO of The Trail Conservancy after less than six months on the job. McNeeley had previously served as director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department until her resignation in May. She took the helm of The Trail Conservancy on June […]