Waterloo Greenway will hold a pair of community conversations later this month to help residents learn about and discuss plans for the restoration of Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park. The meetings will take place at the Juan in a Million restaurant (2300 E. Cesar Chavez St.) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 24 and […]
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 inWhispers
Get city money for arts education programs
The Economic Development Department has launched its new Arts Education Relief Grant program, which will provide $475,000 to nonprofit arts education providers. The $25,000 grants can be used to cover expenses such as salary support, stipends for artists and contractual personnel, facilities costs, personal protective equipment, and expenses related to marketing and promotion. Applications open […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Insurance costs listed among music venues’ biggest challenges at city summit
The rising cost of liability insurance has become a substantial pain point for music venues in Austin, with attendees of the city’s recent music venue summit pointing to six-figure yearly premiums as one of their most substantial costs. The general increase in insurance coverage – which nationally was forecast to increase 10 percent this year […]
Posted inDevelopment
Urban Land Institute offers a glimpse at plans for UT’s many real estate holdings in Austin
From the development of the life sciences Innovation District to land eyed for possible use by federally funded semiconductor research and manufacturing, the land holdings of the University of Texas continue to play a huge role in the development efforts of Austin, both public and private. Representatives from the area’s real estate and planning sector […]
Posted inPlanning
Planning Commission approves amendment to allow more music venues, creative spaces
The Planning Commission has approved an amendment to the city’s building code that could clear the way for more music venues and creative spaces throughout the city. At its July 25 meeting, the commission unanimously approved the amendment, which was initiated by a pair of City Council votes last year that sought to add specific […]
Posted inTransportation
Disability commission pushes city to pick up pace of sidewalk improvements
Improved access to public transit and bike-share programs – possibly including free service for all residents – is among the policy moves the Transportation and Public Works Department intends to ask City Council to consider later this year. During a presentation last week to the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities, John Eastman, division manager […]
Posted inParks
Downtown Commission hears plans to address Rainey Street safety
The Downtown Commission last week gave an unofficial thumbs-up to the city’s efforts to improve safety in the Rainey Street nightlife district, in an effort to prevent more drownings in the area. On July 19, representatives from the Parks and Recreation Department and The Trail Conservancy gave an update on the Rainey Street Trailhead project, […]
Posted inPlanning
Council approves taller buildings in part of Sixth Street entertainment district
City Council has approved an increase in building height for a portion of the East Sixth Street entertainment district that has been targeted for redevelopment by a Dallas-based real estate firm. The ordinance amendment approved Thursday after a public hearing will allow buildings on the 500 and 600 blocks of East Sixth Street – the […]
Posted inCity Hall
Garza explains motivations behind proposed changes to Equity, Civil Rights offices
At Wednesday’s budget work session, interim City Manager Jesús Garza offered some of his rationale behind the proposed reorganization of four city offices, a change that has drawn criticism from community groups involved in equality and racial justice. During the session, City Council Member Vanessa Fuentes asked Garza to explain his reasoning behind the changes, […]
Posted inCity Hall
Council to formalize $200 minimum pay for musicians at city events
City Council will likely adopt a new pay scale for musicians performing for city events today, adopting a rate of $200 per musician as a base rate with a sliding scale for performers in larger groups. The resolution set for a vote Thursday would formalize a rate that has been in place in many departments […]
Posted inCity Hall
Proposal to reorganize Equity, Civil Rights offices draws criticism ahead of budget release
The proposed reorganization of a handful of city offices under the early draft of the city budget is drawing criticism from community groups, who argue the changes will undermine years of work to improve equity, civil rights and services to underserved communities. As part of the budget plan delivered to City Council members and Mayor […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions
City IDs $65M in creative space needs for possible 2024 bond package
The city has identified $65 million in critical needs for cultural arts infrastructure projects that will be under consideration for a possible bond vote in 2024. A memo released last week spells out the progress being made on a handful of major creative space projects funded by the city. It also offers a glimpse at […]