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
- Cap Metro to shelve 46 new electric buses for a year after manufacturer bankruptcy
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sues nonprofit that serves homeless in South Austin
- Mobility Committee hears public concern regarding expansion of MoPac
- City-owned Austin Studios found to have generated $2.6B in economic impact
- Red River music proponents see city funding as sign of support, progress
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Discover News By District
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Stories by Chad Swiatecki
Panel weighs future potential of city's health care innovation district
The battle over reconstructing Interstate 35, and the stalled Land Development Code update, are factors that continue to influence the shape and scope of the developing health care innovation district in the eastern section of downtown Austin. Those larger civic…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 5, 2021
Ranked-choice voting proposal faces legal, legislative questions after May election
There are two questions at play for Proposition E, which would seek to create ranked-choice voting in city elections. One of those questions will be decided by voters in May, while a larger one will likely play out between city…
Bonds & Propositions • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 2, 2021
Prop H critics want more inclusivity in 'democracy dollars' program
Advocates for local immigrant workers have come out against the “democracy dollars” ballot proposal set to go before voters in May, and are pushing City Council to pass an ordinance expanding its eligibility if the initiative succeeds. Proposition H would create…
Bonds & Propositions • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 31, 2021
Prop G's extra Council seat could mean gridlock if strong-mayor proposal fails
As voters ponder the eight ballot proposals they will see at the ballot box in May, City Council’s move to split the question of installing a strong mayor from the addition of a Council seat appears to have opened up…
Bonds & Propositions • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 30, 2021
'Democracy dollars' proposal looks to spread influence, participation in elections
Opinions are mixed about the potential impact of a ballot proposal that would provide city dollars to residents to fund local political campaigns, but proponents agree the intention is clear: to bring more people from throughout Austin into the political process.…
Bonds & Propositions • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 29, 2021
Eckhardt, activists target ballot access bills in play for state lawmakers
Voters in Texas face the prospect of restricted access to the ballot box in coming years, with a group of Republican-proposed bills in the state Legislature drawing heavy criticism from Democrats and others concerned about increased obstacles to voting. The…
Elections • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 24, 2021
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City offers guidelines for events to reopen safely amid pandemic concerns
The city has released a new set of guidelines for event safety that looks to provide some clarity and help a critical piece of the local economy recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. On Friday the Austin Center…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 23, 2021
Post-storm plumber shortage produces demand for rapid training programs
Motivated by the high demand for plumbers brought on by last month’s severe winter storms, local job training organizations have increased their push to enroll students in a variety of skilled trades programs, including electrical and heating/ventilation/air conditioning. Skilled plumbers were…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 22, 2021
Sendero survey finds demographic gaps in willingness to get Covid vaccines
A study of at-risk residents in the Austin area shows large numbers of respondents willing to take a Covid-19 vaccine, with African American and Latino populations showing much more vaccine hesitancy. The survey was conducted in November and December last…
Public Health • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 17, 2021
Music, Downtown commissions explore options for preserving downtown venues
With music venues and creative spaces becoming more endangered as real estate prices continue to climb, members of the Downtown Commission and Music Commission are looking to enlist other groups in an effort to include those spaces in new developments.…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 16, 2021
Equity proponents push developers for better feedback in housing projects
As Austin continues to rapidly grow, developers and community advocates from across the city see a need for more engagement with marginalized communities when planning housing projects intended to reduce gentrification. The need for door knocking and face-to-face involvement was…
Development • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 15, 2021
Council members criticize Cronk's silence on call for food assistance
Members of City Council have criticized City Manager Spencer Cronk for what they characterize as a poor response to their call last week to have the city set up a food assistance program for residents without food or water in…
