The Austin Convention Center Department has scheduled a pair of information sessions for those interested in learning more about the coming solicitation for developers interested in the hotel and residential projects proposed for reconstruction of the convention center. A group presentation via Microsoft Teams will take place March 1, offering project background and a limited […]
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 inHousing
Social services, housing policies seen as national challenges in addressing homelessness
Leaders in the movement to provide housing for homeless people agree there are more resources from the private, philanthropic and public spheres to fund projects, but the challenges of managing many demands and community priorities continue to slow their progress. Last week, Urban Land Institute’s national Housing Opportunity Conference convened in Austin, with financial professionals […]
Posted inWhispers
Accelerator for manufacturing startups promotes SH 130 corridor
A new nonprofit advanced manufacturing center is slated to open in East Austin near State Highway 130, with a 50,000-square-foot facility sitting on 7 acres. The Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing will open in the former Clean Energy Tech Center on Quinn Luke Trail. The $20 million effort is backed by the SH 130 […]
Posted inCity Hall
City nixes $2M McKinsey homelessness study, signaling poor cooperation among partners
City Manager Jesús Garza has canceled a potential $2 million contract with consulting giant McKinsey & Company to perform an analysis of efforts to address homelessness by the city, Travis County, Integral Care and Central Health. Garza released a memo Thursday morning that suggested there was a less-than-ideal chance of the needed collaboration and financial […]
Posted inPlanning
City seeks feedback on density, planning framework for South Central district
The city has released the plan intended to shape the development of the southern shoreline of Lady Bird Lake and beyond, with public input sought until March 20. City Council is expected to consider the South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program this spring, likely at its joint meeting with the Planning Commission […]
Posted inAustin
Tourism Commission considers how to grow hotel taxes beyond convention business
The Tourism Commission has turned its attention to how tourist attractions throughout the city could work collectively to increase the average hotel stay, which would gradually lead to substantial increases in Hotel Occupancy Tax revenues. At last week’s meeting, the commission heard a presentation from Matt Patton, director of research for Angelou Economics, who performed […]
Posted inWhispers
Ronan: City shouldn’t wait on adopting STR reform
Tourism Commission Chair Daniel Ronan said the city has the analysis and data it needs to move forward with reforming its policies on short-term rentals to increase Hotel Occupancy Tax revenues and shouldn’t wait through the end of the year. After the commission approved 10 recommendations related to STR enforcement last week, Ronan told the […]
Posted inCity Council
Council votes to aid Blues on the Green, explore more event sponsorships
The city has stepped forward to revive the Blues on the Green concert series held annually in Zilker Park and will look at how to support or possibly co-sponsor other music festivals or cultural events throughout the city in the future. At last week’s meeting, City Council voted 10-0, with a recusal from Council Member […]
Posted inHousing
Tourism Commission proposes easier licensing among short-term rental solutions
The Tourism Commission has given City Council a list of 10 recommendations regarding the growing short-term rental economy. It stops short of pushing for formal agreements with vacation rental websites such as Airbnb and Vrbo. The recommendations, which were created by an STR working group and adopted at Wednesday’s commission meeting, focused on three priorities: […]
Posted inAustin
Lacking a sense of cultural belonging, many Black Austinites are relocating
Lack of community bonds, cultural offerings and business opportunities play a large part in the continuing decline in Austin’s Black population, based on analysis and anecdotes shared by a number of local leaders at a recent discussion on the demographic trend. Wednesday’s breakfast panel for Urban Land Institute Austin looked at possible solutions for retaining […]
Posted inWhispers
Transit sessions look at light-rail plans and impact on traffic safety
Austin Transit Partnership will hold three community meetings this month to gather input on the area’s light-rail plan. A virtual open house will take place at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 22 with in-person meetings scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Twin Oaks Library on South Fifth Street and 7:30 a.m. Feb. 29 at St. […]
Posted inAustin
Hotel, multifamily developers sought for convention center reconstruction project
Leaders at the Austin Convention Center have set their sights on building a new hotel or a multifamily residential project as part of the forthcoming reconstruction of the downtown site. The timeline for the solicitation of developers was among the details shared during Tuesday’s City Council work session, with convention center representatives sharing their 40-year […]