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
- Lost Creek neighborhood sues city over tax efforts
- Density proponents encouraged by HOME six-month progress report
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- Travis County Judge Andy Brown pledges continued focus on health care, passenger rail in 2025
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Stories by Chad Swiatecki
Tourism Commission looks at how city can welcome more major events
The Tourism Commission has indicated it may ask the city to be more hospitable toward major events that can bring large numbers of visitors to the area. Areas they could focus on include the availability of major gathering areas in…
City Hall • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 29, 2024
Audit committee wants to keep a close eye on upcoming bond packages
The City Council Audit and Finance Committee wants staff to deliver quarterly updates to all relevant City Council committees on all projects being considered for Austin’s next bond package – mainly related to climate change and the effects of severe…
Budget • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 26, 2024
Council OKs bond money to preserve Museum of Human Achievement arts space
City Council has allocated $5.1 million of bond money to the Rally Austin economic development entity, which is expected to use some of the money to purchase and preserve the Museum of Human Achievement (MoHA) arts space in East Austin.…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 25, 2024
Audit cites lack of progress on homelessness strategies issued five-plus years ago
A new report from the Office of the City Auditor has found the city is still working toward accomplishing five recommendations to address homelessness that were suggested at least five years ago. The report, which was issued earlier this month,…
City Hall • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 24, 2024
Chamber group touts $1M small business loan program ahead of regional plan
Ahead of an in-progress comprehensive plan slated for completion later this year, Austin’s Diversity and Ethnic Chamber Alliance (DECA) has secured a commitment from two local banks to loan $1 million to member small businesses. The loans, which will be…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 23, 2024
Council OKs 13 proposed charter amendments for November ballot
Voters will decide on 13 potential amendments to the city charter in November, with two of the most significant potential changes affecting the number of signatures needed to recall a City Council member, and requiring elections for citizen-led ballot initiatives…
City Charter • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 22, 2024
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With fate of Blocks 16 and 18 decided, focus could turn to 11th and 12th Street corridors
City Council has given the OK for the Urban Renewal Agency to move forward in negotiations with the developer selected last month to lead the redevelopment of the 900 and 1100 blocks of East 11th Street. Known in city planning…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 19, 2024
Arts group blasts memo blocking city from purchasing historic church space
The nonprofit Austin Creative Alliance has pushed back against a memo from city staff that appears to have derailed an effort by City Council members to preserve a pair of East Austin properties that serve as the group’s headquarters and…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 18, 2024
Arts Commission gives early OK for city aid to expand Umlauf museum
The Arts Commission wants City Council to give an initial endorsement to an ambitious plan to improve and expand the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, which is managed in partnership with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. At Monday’s meeting,…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 17, 2024
Council to consider nearly $2B in airport expansion contracts through late September
This week, City Council is expected to consider four items related to the expansion of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, with nearly $2 billion in spending up for approval by the end of September. The four contracts on Thursday’s agenda total $190…
Transportation • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 16, 2024
Council gives first thoughts on $5.9B draft budget for 2025
The early draft of the city’s 2025 budget weighs in at $5.9 billion, a $400 million increase over the current budget. City Manager T.C. Broadnax said the balanced budget offers increases in city staff compensation and benefits despite lower-than-expected sales…
Budget • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 15, 2024
Community groups await fate of nearly $80M in budget recommendations
A coalition of more than 40 community groups is hoping the new city manager has found room in the next city budget for nearly $80 million of spending to address homelessness, economic insecurity and an assortment of other progressive causes.…
