Editor’s Note: On June 3, three members of the Board of Adjustment filed a complaint with the State Bar of Texas alleging that former City Attorney Brent Lloyd had violated the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct by simultaneously representing both the Board of Adjustment and the city of Austin on land use decisions. The […]
Austin Monitor
Posted inRadio
Austin Monitor Radio: Publisher Dan Zehr
This week Dan Zehr, Capital of Texas Media Foundation executive director and Austin Monitor publisher, sits down with Monitor reporter Jack Craver to talk about the future of the Monitor and plans for a local policy think tank. Curious about our future? Catch up on all of the exciting news below: Austin Monitor Radio is […]
Posted inReporters' Notebook
Reporter’s Notebook: Parting words
When Planning commissioners say adieu… The June 25 meeting marked the end of an era at the Planning Commission. Despite several years of rarely seeing eye to eye when it comes to development, Karen McGraw and James Schissler stepped down from their posts amicably, with an acknowledgment that each has served the city in a […]
Posted inReporters' Notebook
Reporter’s Notebook: Ethics, at a cost
Frank Rodriguez case costs city… After the Ethics Review Commission failed to agree upon a settlement in the case against Frank Rodriguez last May, the case came back before the commission for a final hearing last week. Rodriguez had received $37,000 for consulting services from the Latino HealthCare Forum and used his position to help […]
Posted inReporters' Notebook
Reporter’s Notebook: Phone home, ETJ
Racial discourse… When Defend Our Hoodz came to the June 11 meeting of the Planning Commission, City Hall was prepared. Protesters opposed to the 4700 E. Riverside project – a development they refer to as the Domain at Riverside – have been frequenting commission meetings. Last Tuesday, they began screaming profanities and calling out commissioners […]
Posted inRadio
Austin Monitor Radio: Deece Eckstein
This week, Travis County Intergovernmental Relations Officer Deece Eckstein sits down with Austin Monitor reporter Jack Craver to catch up on the past session of the Texas Legislature. Listen in below to hear why Eckstein considers it the worst session he’s ever seen and explains the impact that recently passed state legislation will have on […]
Posted inUncategorized
Reporter’s Notebook: Very arcane issues
Details, details… Recently, a complaint by the Board of Adjustment brought to light their perceived issues with city-provided legal counsel. It also brought to light a misconception about Austin Monitor coverage. In William Burkhardt’s “Bar Grievance Complaint Against Mr. Brent Lloyd” (as embedded below) we couldn’t help but note the following passage: Brent Lloyd: You […]
Posted inRadio
Austin Monitor Radio: HACA
On this week’s Austin Monitor Radio, reporter Jack Craver talks with the Housing Authority of the City of Austin about projects in the works and the agency’s ongoing effort to serve an increasing population in need of housing. Listen in below as CEO and Vice President Sylvia Blanco and HACA’s resident liaison Tiffany Middleton tackle […]
Posted inReporters' Notebook
Reporter’s Notebook: Trees, fiber, petition
Heritage tree transplants see high success rates… Moving heritage trees within the city of Austin is no easy feat. It is, however, almost always successful. Out of the 20 transplant sites listed on the City Data Portal, all of the trees are thriving, according to Keith Mars, the Community Tree Preservation Division manager. He told […]
Posted inRadio
Austin Monitor Radio: Hill Abell
This week, Bicycle Sport Shop owner Hill Abell sits down with Austin Monitor reporter Jack Craver to talk about his work as a cycling advocate in the city and to catch up on issues currently facing the community. To catch yourself up, tune in below, where the entire show is embedded and ready for a […]
Posted inWhispers
Happy Memorial Day!
Monday is Memorial Day, and here at the Austin Monitor the staff will be following the lead of city offices and schools and taking the day off. We’ll be back with our regular coverage on Tuesday, May 28.
Posted inReporters' Notebook
Reporter’s Notebook: Trees and tribulations
Water woes… Out of the 33 water utilities in the South that deliver water to at least 400,000 customers, a new study by J.D. Power reports that Austin ranks 28th in terms of customer satisfaction with 707 points. San Antonio, an oft-referenced benchmark within Austin’s water utility, ranks 15th with a 735 point score. Scores […]