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
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Discover News By District
Stories by Chad Swiatecki
Austin in line for billions in tech, transportation, clean energy funds from feds
The message to local developers and real estate professionals on Wednesday was clear: Austin is in the mix for tens of billions of dollars in federal money that will continue to transform the area and attract newcomers for decades. Panelists…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 27, 2023
Planning Commission delay pushes Council action on Palm District until July
After a series of delays stretching back to November, the Planning Commission is now expected to consider and possibly approve the Palm District Plan at a special called meeting May 30. As a result of the new meeting time, City…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 26, 2023
Austin wants more community benefits from projects on city-owned land
The city is looking at how to improve many of the activities it takes in redeveloping publicly owned properties, with a special eye on increasing community benefits such as affordable housing in projects such as the Austin Convention Center. A…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 24, 2023
Commissions get updates ahead of RFP for blocks 16, 18
The two city-owned blocks expected to become the anchors of the long-discussed African American Cultural Heritage District will likely include 30,000 square feet of creative space, more than 100 residential units, and a combination of restaurants and office space that…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 21, 2023
Long Center moving toward shared services pilot program for arts groups
The Long Center for the Performing Arts is moving ahead with planning for a proposed pilot program that would offer shared services and expected cost savings for small, cash-strapped arts organizations around the city. The pilot program, which is expected…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 20, 2023
City Council to consider expanded arts, music venue code language by June
The city’s Music and Arts commissions have given their support to expanded definitions of what constitutes music venues and creative spaces, in the hope that the city will move ahead with building code changes and incentives to encourage those spaces…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 18, 2023
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Business leaders eye contract, job opportunities from $25B in transportation projects
With $25 billion in road, rail and airport infrastructure projects on tap for Austin over the next decade-plus, business leaders are starting to shape how the regional economy and its workforce can get the most benefit from the far-reaching changes…
Transportation • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 17, 2023
City Council approves additional cameras, park rangers in Rainey Street district
The city will direct more public safety resources toward the Rainey Street neighborhood to prevent additional drowning deaths suffered by patrons of the bars and restaurants frequenting the popular nightlife district. City Council unanimously passed a resolution Thursday that directs…
Public Safety • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 14, 2023
Memo eyes possible polystyrene ban to curb trash in creeks, streams
The Watershed Protection Department wants city leaders to consider instituting a ban on polystyrene fast-food containers as one of a series of possible steps to reduce the amount of trash in local waterways. An April 10 memo gives City Council…
Water • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 12, 2023
Arts, music commissions to renew push for short-term rental tax collections
It appears arts and music advocates will likely ask City Council to reach an agreement with short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb and begin receiving millions of dollars in uncollected hotel taxes that could in part benefit the local creative…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 11, 2023
City stepping up safety measures to address Rainey Street concerns
City leaders are moving ahead with lighting and other safety measures in the Rainey Street district in response to a pair of recent late-night drownings and growing speculation that nightlife patrons are unsafe in the entertainment district. The Austin Police…
Public Safety • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 10, 2023
Study eyes fire response steps to protect local waterways
Austin Fire Department’s efforts to control and extinguish structure fires have negligible negative impacts on local waterways, according to a recent study of firefighting incidents over an eight-month period. The assessment conducted by the Watershed Protection Department looked at the…
