Stories by Chad Swiatecki
HealthSouth redevelopment stalls over affordable apartments proposed
The redevelopment of the former HealthSouth hospital property downtown appears to be at a standstill, with the Economic Development Department recommending the termination of a negotiating agreement with the Aspen Heights Partners development group. In a memo published Wednesday, Assistant…
Development • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 30, 2023
Parks board wants SXSW artist pay included in negotiation for use of city facilities
In response to a call for higher compensation for South by Southwest showcase musicians, the Parks and Recreation Board on Monday voted unanimously to ask the city to negotiate for fair pay for artists performing at its parkland facilities, such…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 28, 2023
Former City Hall and One Texas Center eyed as possible arts and music spaces
The city once again appears to be willing to make a high-profile downtown building available for cultural and creative uses, along with a handful of other city-owned properties under consideration for use by local musicians and artists. A memo released…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 27, 2023
Study calls for formalizing partnership between parks department and foundation
Local parks advocates want the city and the Austin Parks Foundation nonprofit group to come to a formal agreement spelling out the roles and responsibilities between the two entities, with the hope of better addressing equity issues across the city’s…
Parks • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 27, 2023
City advised not to assist flood victims from April 20 storm
The head of the Watershed Protection Department has advised the city against offering direct assistance to homeowners flooded during an April 20 storm, due to concerns that action could set a precedent for future natural disasters. In a memo dated…
Environment • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 15, 2023
Jobs development roundup: A split at Austin Chamber; Huston-Tillotson and Skillpoint Alliance fill gaps
The Austin Chamber of Commerce has parted ways with Opportunity Austin, the job creation and economic development arm of the organization since 2004. The now-separate groups announced the split Tuesday while naming new leaders and explaining the move will allow…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 14, 2023
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Chicago creative hub to help shape plans for three Austin cultural facilities
By the end of the year, the city will have rough estimates for the capital expenses and operational costs for opening three music and art hubs at three cultural centers, with a Chicago group likely playing a large role in…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 13, 2023
Water panelists examine how to supply Austin as growth continues
“Water is nonpartisan. But, oh, my God, it is totally political.” Those words, from Central Texas Water Coalition President Jo Karr Tedder, summarized much of the fraught and frank discussion about the future of water resources in Central Texas during…
Water • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 12, 2023
Despite its name, the Live Music Fund is not just for live music
The 650-plus applications for grants from the city’s inaugural Live Music Fund are in the early stages of evaluation and scoring, with the awards of $5,000 and $10,000 slated for initial distribution beginning in September. The Music Commission received a…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 9, 2023
PAC seeks clarity, cost breakdowns for $1.6B convention center expansion
The political action committee co-founded by a former member of the Downtown Commission wants the mayor and City Council to answer questions about the planned expansion of the Austin Convention Center, it announced in a news release last week. Laura…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 8, 2023
Council pushes for music census every five years, with data to publish on city portal
Data from the most recent census of the Austin music ecosystem will be posted on the city’s open data portal, along with data from the applicant pool for the first-ever cohort of the new Live Music Fund. Last week, City…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 6, 2023
Firearms, unsafe drivers still seen as greatest safety threats for Sixth Street
The presence of firearms and the possibility of a vehicle breaking through barricades and entering crowds are the two greatest threats to Austin’s popular Sixth Street nightlife district, according to police and emergency leaders. The Downtown Commission received updates last…
