The Planning Department says it needs four new staffers to prepare for the first phase of light rail through downtown. That was one of the findings in a new memo outlining the department’s work to make equitable transit-oriented developments, or ETODs, a major piece of city planning for the next decade-plus. The new staffers would […]
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 Council
Austin Tourism Public Improvement District plan to partially fund homeless services heads to vote
City Council will vote next week on the long-coming agreement with local hotels that could generate roughly $7 million a year for the next decade to fund services to aid people experiencing homelessness. The Austin Tourism Public Improvement District (ATPID) has been a bargaining chip in local political circles since 2016, with former Mayor Steve […]
Posted inDevelopment
City starting over on Ryan Drive redevelopment project
The city appears ready to hit the reset button on the redevelopment of its Ryan Drive property in North Austin, more than a year after selecting a development team that appeared ready to move the project forward. Last month the city terminated its exclusive negotiating agreement with 3423 Holdings LLC, the group led by developers […]
Posted inParks
City, conservancy moving ahead with Rainey Street safety improvements
The Parks and Recreation Department has proposed up to $1 million in permanent infrastructure improvements to enhance public safety along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail in the Rainey Street District. A memo released last week by department Director Kimberly McNeeley informed City Council and Mayor Kirk Watson of the progress made on short-term […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Music Commission hears testimony and then delays vote on SXSW pay
The Music Commission delayed action on the matter of fair pay for South by Southwest performers, holding nearly three hours of discussion on the controversial topic Wednesday night before rescheduling possible action until next month. The delay on the SXSW item and several others came about because the commission only had use of the meeting […]
Posted inPlanning
Memo details progress, plans for African American Cultural Heritage District
The city is preparing to solicit an outside consultant to create an action plan for development of the portion of East Austin known as the African American Cultural Heritage District. Economic Development Department Director Sylnovia Holt-Rabb last month sent a memo to City Council, providing updates on development efforts for the two city-owned parcels known […]
Posted inDevelopment
HealthSouth redevelopment stalls over affordable apartments proposed
The redevelopment of the former HealthSouth hospital property downtown appears to be at a standstill, with the Economic Development Department recommending the termination of a negotiating agreement with the Aspen Heights Partners development group. In a memo published Wednesday, Assistant City Manager Veronica Briseño informed City Council and Mayor Kirk Watson that Aspen Heights feels […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Parks board wants SXSW artist pay included in negotiation for use of city facilities
In response to a call for higher compensation for South by Southwest showcase musicians, the Parks and Recreation Board on Monday voted unanimously to ask the city to negotiate for fair pay for artists performing at its parkland facilities, such as Auditorium Shores. The recommendation, which will be forwarded to City Council for possible action, […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Former City Hall and One Texas Center eyed as possible arts and music spaces
The city once again appears to be willing to make a high-profile downtown building available for cultural and creative uses, along with a handful of other city-owned properties under consideration for use by local musicians and artists. A memo released last week regarding a number of initiatives related to the preservation and enhancement of the […]
Posted inParks
Study calls for formalizing partnership between parks department and foundation
Local parks advocates want the city and the Austin Parks Foundation nonprofit group to come to a formal agreement spelling out the roles and responsibilities between the two entities, with the hope of better addressing equity issues across the city’s massive span of parks facilities. That recommendation was one of the main findings of a […]
Posted inEnvironment
City advised not to assist flood victims from April 20 storm
The head of the Watershed Protection Department has advised the city against offering direct assistance to homeowners flooded during an April 20 storm, due to concerns that action could set a precedent for future natural disasters. In a memo dated June 1, Jorge L. Morales, director of the watershed department, said having the city cover […]
Posted inAustin
Jobs development roundup: A split at Austin Chamber; Huston-Tillotson and Skillpoint Alliance fill gaps
The Austin Chamber of Commerce has parted ways with Opportunity Austin, the job creation and economic development arm of the organization since 2004. The now-separate groups announced the split Tuesday while naming new leaders and explaining the move will allow each to focus on its core mission. Jeremy Martin, currently interim chief operating officer of […]