A city memo published earlier this month suggests that, more than a decade after Austin became a leading destination in the market for short-term rentals, City Council could have code language later this year to comprehensively regulate the industry. The memo, from Assistant City Manager Veronica Briseño, offers little insight into how the city will […]
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 inCity Hall
On homelessness, Broadnax seeks connections with housing and service providers
The Austin Monitor recently sat down with new Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax to discuss some of the more prominent issues facing city staff and City Council as he gets situated in his job. For the last of four portions from the interview, he shares his thoughts on addressing homelessness in the city. On the homelessness […]
Posted inHousing
Panelists offer cautious optimism on HOME and other city land use changes
Local real estate and development professionals weighed in Wednesday on the potential impact of the city’s many recent changes in land use policy, which were intended to add housing stock and address the affordability problem that has affected the area for roughly a decade. At the monthly breakfast panel held by Urban Land Institute Austin, […]
Posted inCity Hall
Broadnax considers service adjustments as ‘tough’ budget awaits
The Austin Monitor recently sat down with new Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax to discuss some of the more prominent issues facing city staff and City Council as he gets situated in his job. For the budget process as you’re going through it, are there any big differences that you’ve noticed procedurally in how Austin has assembled […]
Posted inCity Hall
Broadnax sees police oversight as ‘natural’ component of next contract
The Austin Monitor recently sat down with new Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax to discuss some of the more prominent issues facing city staff and City Council as he gets situated in his job. Regarding the police contract, the draft agreement proposal was floating out there prior to your predecessor’s departure. Did you have any thoughts […]
Posted inCity Hall
Broadnax shares thoughts on hiring Austin’s next police chief
The Austin Monitor recently sat down with new Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax to discuss some of the more prominent issues facing city staff and City Council as he gets situated in his job. For the first of four portions from the interview, he shares his plans for hiring a new police chief. Let’s start […]
Posted inWhispers
City opening $13M in grants for artists, creative orgs and businesses
The Economic Development Department is gearing up for the application process for the next round of Thrive and Elevate grant programs, offering $13 million in awards for local artists and arts organizations. Elevate awards range from $15,000 to $80,000 for arts groups, individual artists and creative businesses. Applicants must have at least one year of […]
Posted inPlanning
Urban Renewal Board makes pick for Council from two redevelopment plans for Blocks 16 and 18
A plan that looks to combine housing, retail, restaurants and assorted cultural facilities has received an important vote of support in the effort to redevelop two signature blocks of East Austin. On Monday, the Urban Renewal Board voted 4-1 to recommend the Pleasant Hill Collaborative development plan to City Council as the preferred package for […]
Posted inHousing
Planning Commission wants housing for older adults on city land near transit lines
The Planning Commission wants City Council to prioritize creating senior and disabled-accessible housing units on city-owned land located near transit corridors, with a priority given to equitable transit-oriented developments, or ETODs, throughout the area. At a meeting last week, the commission voted in favor of a resolution that is related to policy involving ETODs and […]
Posted inWhispers
GAVA seeks members, support for East Austin co-op
Go Austin/Vamos Austin, which has secured a city contract to create a retail food cooperative in East Austin, is conducting a membership drive to help move forward with the location in Del Valle. Members who pledge $50 during the drive through July 15 will be able to vote to elect the executive board, run for […]
Posted inAustin
Future of MACC takes shape as expansion work continues
It felt reassuring for Lily Zamarripa-Saenz in April when she was able to tour the grounds of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center and see the progress on the $27 million expansion she and other community members had been working toward for close to a decade. As a recent member of the MACC […]
Posted inWhispers
HSEM’s emergency preparedness session rescheduled for Tuesday
Austin’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management will host an emergency preparedness pop-up event from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Spicewood Springs Branch Library on Spicewood Springs Road. The first 25 households to attend will receive an emergency supply kit and can stock up on free supplies including lanterns, glow sticks, personal cooling supplies, […]