Stories by Chad Swiatecki
Travis County commissioners approve preservation plan funding for Sweatt courthouse
The Heman Marion Sweatt Travis County Courthouse on Guadalupe Street could undergo historic restoration in the coming years with state funding assistance. Earlier this week, the Travis County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to allocate $100,000 toward hiring a historic preservation…
Preservation • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 11, 2023
Red Line improvements add capacity, access for critical Project Connect transit option
The light rail line that’s planned to run through downtown Austin is the portion of Project Connect that’s drawn the most attention in recent years. But folks like Matt Geske, who regularly ride the Red Line commuter train that goes…
Transit • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 10, 2023
Garza pauses changes for Civil Rights, Equity offices until after budget passage
The controversial plan to reorganize the offices of Civil Rights and Equity and two others is being put on hold and will be evaluated after City Council concludes its work to finalize and approve next year’s budget. At Tuesday’s budget…
Budget • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 9, 2023
Live music proponents express optimism, caution at potential expansion of venues
Boosters in the local music and creative communities are optimistic, if cautious, about the potential for new music venues and art spaces to open throughout Austin, now that the land use code is set to include formal definitions for both…
Development • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 8, 2023
Nash Hernandez Building still among four sites considered to host senior, child programs
The city is continuing work to establish a community center for seniors and young children in East Austin, with sites under consideration including the Nash Hernandez Building. A memo released last week discloses the latest progress related to a December…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 7, 2023
Housing costs analysis endorses changes in lots sizes, compatibility requirements
City staff and researchers at the University of Texas looking to reduce housing costs have published their recommendations on policies for City Council to consider. A memo published last week offers a broad overview of the current state of affordability…
Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 4, 2023
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Real estate leaders see hope in smaller lot sizes as demand for housing remains strong
“In Austin, you don’t have enough housing for the demand in the pipeline. … I can’t say it simpler. We all agree we have increased inventory, but with the demand coming down the pipeline, and then you had two quarters…
Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 3, 2023
Garza says reorganization ‘will in no way diminish’ offices of Civil Rights, Equity
Interim City Manager Jesús Garza has clarified his plans for reorganizing a handful of city offices, including the Equity and Civil Rights offices, which will be located in different buildings despite being part of the newly created Community and Business…
Budget • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 2, 2023
Insurance costs listed among music venues' biggest challenges at city summit
The rising cost of liability insurance has become a substantial pain point for music venues in Austin, with attendees of the city’s recent music venue summit pointing to six-figure yearly premiums as one of their most substantial costs. The general…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 1, 2023
Urban Land Institute offers a glimpse at plans for UT's many real estate holdings in Austin
From the development of the life sciences Innovation District to land eyed for possible use by federally funded semiconductor research and manufacturing, the land holdings of the University of Texas continue to play a huge role in the development efforts…
Development • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 31, 2023
Planning Commission approves amendment to allow more music venues, creative spaces
The Planning Commission has approved an amendment to the city’s building code that could clear the way for more music venues and creative spaces throughout the city. At its July 25 meeting, the commission unanimously approved the amendment, which was…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 28, 2023
Disability commission pushes city to pick up pace of sidewalk improvements
Improved access to public transit and bike-share programs – possibly including free service for all residents – is among the policy moves the Transportation and Public Works Department intends to ask City Council to consider later this year. During a…
