About the Author
Chad Swiatecki is a 20-year journalist who relocated to Austin from his home state of Michigan in 2008. He most enjoys covering the intersection of arts, business and local/state politics. He has written for Rolling Stone, Spin, New York Daily News, Texas Monthly, Austin American-Statesman and many other regional and national outlets.
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Most Popular Stories
- How Trump’s federal funding freeze is beginning to affect Austin
- APD won’t enforce SB 14 as Paxton and Trump further attack gender-affirming health care
- Austin’s new CapMetro Rapid lines debut with buses every 20 minutes
- Austin ISD announces hiring freeze as budget deficit grows to $110 million
- Commercial EV station moves forward despite opposition
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Stories by Chad Swiatecki
Left waiting: Rally Austin pushes for city action on four sites ID'd for redevelopment
Representatives of the economic entity created by City Council to speed up development of city real estate assets in support of affordable housing said they’re being stymied by inaction that’s holding back work on at least four high-profile sites. In…
Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 26, 2024
Council could OK task force to design bond package focused on climate change
Next week, City Council will consider forming a task force to design the city’s next bond package expected to go before voters by fall 2026. Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool has led on the resolution that calls for the creation…
Bonds & Propositions • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 23, 2024
Developers join city in considering climate resiliency as Austin grows
While the city considers its options for dealing with extreme weather and increasing resiliency across the area, the same questions about the role of climate change in large-scale building projects are top of mind for developers and financial leaders active…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 22, 2024
Case study offers early praise for the structure and organization of Project Connect
A new report from an advocacy group in support of mass transit projects across the country has praised Austin’s Project Connect initiative, which is still roughly a decade away from realizing its goal of providing light-rail service through the city.…
Transportation • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 21, 2024
Project Connect anti-displacement funding gets close look from Community Development Commission
Members of the Community Development Commission have requested more information from city staff about the decision-making process for spending Project Connect funds intended to preserve or create affordable housing near the mass transit system. Last week, the commission received a…
Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 20, 2024
Watershed Protection details preparation for Old Lampasas Dam repairs
The Watershed Protection Department appears to ready to move ahead with the start of the Old Lampasas Dam #3 Modernization Project, having completed the diligence called for by City Council this spring. In a memo released Monday, WPD Director Jorge…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 20, 2024
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Central Health board considers improvements to reaching target communities
Members of the Central Health Board of Managers turned their attention Wednesday to how well the organization is doing at finding those who need health care and other services in a number of areas throughout East Austin. The discussion came…
Public Health • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 16, 2024
Music Commission wants STR taxes to increase Live Music Fund awards
The Music Commission wants to increase funding for the Live Music Fund from its current $4.5 million total, and could push for hotel taxes from short-term rental sites as a funding source. At last week’s meeting, the commission received an…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 15, 2024
County commissioners approve tax rate election to raise $75M for child care
The Travis County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to place a tax rate increase on the November ballot that could generate $75 million per year to improve child care services throughout the area. If approved, the money would be used to…
Bonds & Propositions • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 14, 2024
Animal Services Office turns to outside boarding to address shelter crowding
The Animal Services Office has recently resumed use of third-party boarding facilities to handle space constraints and crowded conditions at Austin Animal Center. A memo published last week from Don Bland, chief animal services officer, gave City Council an update…
City Hall • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 13, 2024
Central Health board questions UT contracts in light of DEI firings
Central Health leaders signaled they may seek to curtail or end contracts with the University of Texas’ Dell Medical School over objections to the university’s firing all staff involved in diversity, equity and inclusion programs in April. At last week’s…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 12, 2024
Central Health board gives first OK to new tax rate, considers future revenue options
Central Health’s Board of Managers is preparing to set a higher tax rate. Its new property tax rate will be almost 10.8 cents per $100 of taxable value, which will translate to an increase of $66 per year for owners…
