A recent city memo and presentation to the Downtown Commission last week offer some up-close looks at the progress and next steps for the Waterloo Greenway project that is making major improvements along Waller Creek’s route through downtown. The memo from Jorge Morales, director of the Watershed Protection Department, and the presentation from the Waterloo […]
Chad Swiatecki
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.
Posted inWhispers
Kelly’s post-Council career moves toward gov’t affairs work for mental health advocates
Former City Council Member Mackenzie Kelly has transitioned into a new role as the director of governmental affairs for the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute following the conclusion of her term in office. Kelly, who represented District 6 from 2021 to 2024, began her new position on Jan. 6. She will advocate for increased mental […]
Posted inWhispers
Trail Conservancy picks Julie Fisher as new CEO
The Trail Conservancy has appointed Julie Fisher as its new CEO. Fisher brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience, having previously held roles at the Livestrong Foundation and the Andy Roddick Foundation. She holds a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. Austin Business Journal notes that Thomas recently served a managerial position […]
Posted inWhispers
More than 1 percent of Austin workers earn at least $500K
A new report finds Austin is one of the leading U.S. cities for high-paying jobs, with a significant number of positions offering salaries exceeding $500,000 annually. According to research from ADP, Austin’s booming tech sector, combined with its growing financial and health care industries, has contributed to a surge in lucrative employment opportunities. In total, […]
Posted inCity Hall
Memo highlights needs, gaps in achieving city’s climate goals by 2040
The city still has to rework or commit more funding and resources toward the majority of the goals involved in implementing its Climate Equity Plan, which aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. A recent staff memo from Chief Sustainability Officer Zach Baumer outlines the challenges and next steps involved in realizing the […]
Posted inWhispers
HER Power Summit targets women seeking career opportunities
Opportunity Austin, in collaboration with Con Mi Madre and Dress for Success Austin, will host the HER Power Summit from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Blvd. The event aims to provide 100 women from diverse backgrounds with opportunities to connect with employers and explore career development options. The agenda […]
Posted inDevelopment
Federal report shows city’s progress, shortfalls in addressing housing needs
A report recently submitted to the federal government offered a picture into how the city has progressed in achieving its housing goals using federal dollars, while also highlighting areas where improvement is needed to make sufficient progress on its most recent five-year housing plan. At its most recent meeting, the Community Development Commission (CDC) reviewed […]
Posted inWhispers
SBA issues grant to open office for women entrepreneurs in Austin
The U.S. Small Business Administration has awarded a grant to establish a Women’s Business Center in Austin. Administered by the Foundation for Better Business, the WBC will provide resources such as education, training and access to loans to support women-owned businesses in the city. The initiative addresses a long-standing gap, as Austin was previously the […]
Posted inWhispers
Chamber event centers on plans for airport expansion
The Austin Chamber of Commerce’s next Area Business Connections event will focus on the expansion program at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The event is scheduled from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Galaxy Theatres Austin on Middle Fiskville Road. Ghizlane Badawi, CEO of AUS, will provide updates on upcoming projects, timelines and business opportunities […]
Posted inCity Council
Council Member Krista Laine opts to discontinue District 6 field office
As she prepares for her first City Council meetings later this month, newly elected District 6 Council Member Krista Laine will represent residents of Northwest Austin and a portion of Williamson County without the use of a satellite office that has been available for constituent relations for 10 years. After her November win over former […]
Posted inTransportation
Dirty no more? City opts to keep Sixth Street open to traffic at all times
Beginning this weekend, the city will keep Sixth Street open to vehicular traffic on weekends, a substantial departure from decades of street closures designed to accommodate nightlife culture that saw thousands of pedestrians gather in the roadway while moving among the entertainment district’s many bars and nightclubs. City leaders announced the change at a press […]
Posted inAustin
Report sees strong growth for life sciences jobs and real estate throughout Austin
Austin’s bio and health ecosystem is emerging as a significant driver of economic development, with new projects and public policy efforts shaping the future of the sector, according to the 2024 Austin Bio & Health Report authored by industry analysts Jason Scharf and Jani Tuomi. The report found Austin is now home to over 1,100 […]