The Music Commission is weighing several potential changes to the city’s Live Music Fund grant program, including the removal of criteria tied to languages spoken and census tract residency, clearer definitions of what qualifies as a live music venue, and a greater emphasis on artist accomplishments rather than personal income or access to financial lending. […]
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 inEnergy
Panelists talk pipelines, batteries and other answers to Austin’s energy demands
Austin’s fast-paced growth and the increasing energy demands of large industries like data centers and advanced manufacturing are pushing the region’s energy infrastructure toward a critical juncture, according to experts who spoke at the Austin Chamber of Commerce’s recent Infrastructure Summit. Energy leaders from major regional suppliers, utilities and infrastructure companies participated in a panel […]
Posted inCity Council
Council OKs next steps in planning improvements to Sixth Street district
With early data suggesting the area’s safety can continue to improve, City Council approved a detailed resolution Thursday directing city staff to pursue a wide-ranging set of improvements and operational changes aimed at encouraging daytime activity in the Sixth Street Entertainment District. The resolution, approved in its fourth version as part of the consent agenda, […]
Posted inTransportation
Transportation panel looks at regional needs as affordability pushes Austinites out
Austin’s leaders are looking for answers to transportation needs as rapid growth pushes housing and job centers farther from the urban core, straining an already overburdened transportation system. At a recent infrastructure summit hosted by the Austin Chamber of Commerce, public officials and mobility experts outlined the scope of the challenges and emerging strategies to […]
Posted inWater
Infrastructure panelists ponder tactics for stretching Austin’s existing water supply
Facing limited prospects for new water sources, Austin officials are advancing a broad strategy centered on water reuse, conservation and storage to meet the city’s long-term needs. At a recent infrastructure summit hosted by the Austin Chamber of Commerce, water planners described an array of initiatives designed to extend the capacity of Austin’s existing supply […]
Posted inPublic Health
Public Health Commission looks at curbing heat illnesses, promoting drug counselor training
The Austin-Travis County Public Health Commission is fine-tuning recommendations on two initiatives aimed at expanding harm reduction services and protecting outdoor workers from heat-related illnesses. During the latest meeting, commissioners reviewed draft recommendations on both issues but took no votes, opting to refine proposals at a future meeting before advancing them to City Council. The […]
Posted inPublic Health
Council gets early look at public health cuts caused by federal funding losses
Austin Public Health leaders are working to manage an ongoing budget crisis caused by federal funding cuts that have destabilized programs across the city. City Council’s Public Health Committee heard last week that APH has already lost approximately $15 million in federal grants, with further reductions anticipated in the months ahead. APH Director Adrienne Sturrup […]
Posted inAustin
Workshops helping city gear up business expansion, place-based incentive programs
Ahead of a planned rollout in May, the city is hoping a series of workshops this month will generate interest in its updated business expansion and upcoming place-based enhancement incentive programs. The programs, which were recently approved by City Council, are designed to assist small businesses and creative-sector tenants facing rising real estate pressures. Three […]
Posted inCity Hall
City to help preserve artworks threatened by convention center teardown
The city appears to have solutions to save a group of artworks installed in the Austin Convention Center that were in danger of being destroyed as the demolition and reconstruction of the facility moves forward. Late last month, artist John Yancey, whose Riffs & Rhythms mural was at the centerpiece of the controversy, informed the […]
Posted inWhispers
Council expands erosion protections along Colorado River
City Council has approved an ordinance expanding erosion protections along the Colorado River downstream of Longhorn Dam, aiming to prevent future damage in a part of East Austin particularly prone to extreme erosion. The new rules, approved at last week’s Council meeting, double the required buffer for erosion hazard zone analyses from 100 to 200 […]
Posted inWhispers
Hill Country leaders gather to collaborate on shared agenda
More than 40 county officials from seven counties in the Hill Country region met in Austin last week to align on key policy priorities ahead of the 2025 legislative session. The gathering was organized by county commissioners and leaders from Comal, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Hays, Kendall, Travis and Williamson counties to discuss their shared agenda. Officials […]
Posted inPublic Health
Audit throws shade at city’s efforts to mitigate extreme heat
A new report from the Office of the City Auditor concludes that, while the city has made notable progress in preparing for extreme heat, challenges in coordination, funding and measurable planning continue to undermine long-term resilience. The audit, released this week, evaluates whether the city is adequately planning for heat-related risks to public infrastructure. The […]