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
- Latest State of Downtown report shows the city core’s businesses and housing are in transition
- Cap Metro to shelve 46 new electric buses for a year after manufacturer bankruptcy
- Jesús Garza disputes allegation that he violated city ethics rule
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- Council gives first reading OK to major development on tiny slice of land
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Stories by Chad Swiatecki
Panelists offer cautious optimism on HOME and other city land use changes
Local real estate and development professionals weighed in Wednesday on the potential impact of the city’s many recent changes in land use policy, which were intended to add housing stock and address the affordability problem that has affected the area…
Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 27, 2024
Broadnax considers service adjustments as 'tough' budget awaits
The Austin Monitor recently sat down with new Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax to discuss some of the more prominent issues facing city staff and City Council as he gets situated in his job. For the budget process as you’re going through…
City Hall • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 26, 2024
Broadnax sees police oversight as 'natural' component of next contract
The Austin Monitor recently sat down with new Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax to discuss some of the more prominent issues facing city staff and City Council as he gets situated in his job. Regarding the police contract, the draft agreement…
City Hall • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 25, 2024
Broadnax shares thoughts on hiring Austin's next police chief
The Austin Monitor recently sat down with new Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax to discuss some of the more prominent issues facing city staff and City Council as he gets situated in his job. For the first of four portions…
City Hall • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 24, 2024
Urban Renewal Board makes pick for Council from two redevelopment plans for Blocks 16 and 18
A plan that looks to combine housing, retail, restaurants and assorted cultural facilities has received an important vote of support in the effort to redevelop two signature blocks of East Austin. On Monday, the Urban Renewal Board voted 4-1 to…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 21, 2024
Planning Commission wants housing for older adults on city land near transit lines
The Planning Commission wants City Council to prioritize creating senior and disabled-accessible housing units on city-owned land located near transit corridors, with a priority given to equitable transit-oriented developments, or ETODs, throughout the area. At a meeting last week, the…
Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 18, 2024
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Future of MACC takes shape as expansion work continues
It felt reassuring for Lily Zamarripa-Saenz in April when she was able to tour the grounds of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center and see the progress on the $27 million expansion she and other community members had…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 17, 2024
Planning Department announces update of Imagine Austin, due by late 2026
Austin’s Planning Department has announced its plans to update Imagine Austin, the city’s 30-year strategic plan, over the next two-and-a-half years. The department plans to begin six months of community engagement that will end in December and provide the initial…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 14, 2024
Pursuing better business connections, Economic Development Corporation rebrands as Rally Austin
The Austin Economic Development Corporation has rebranded as Rally Austin, in an attempt to better communicate its goals of helping to create and preserve affordable housing and cultural spaces throughout the city. The change, which was announced Wednesday, comes as…
Development • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 13, 2024
Music Commission recommends fine-tuning city incentives for music venues, creative spaces
Members of the Music Commission want the city to explore more ways for a proposed incentive program for small businesses to address some of the specific real estate realities live music venues face throughout the city. Last week’s meeting included…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 12, 2024
City could revive idled homelessness prevention programs with its next budget
The city will likely look at restarting funding for homelessness prevention programs that were largely shelved in recent years in response to receiving federal funding that prioritized rapid rehousing efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic. Last week, City Council’s Public Health…
Public Health • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 11, 2024
City exploring private real estate for homeless shelters ahead of Marshalling Yard closure
The city is searching through a variety of private real estate options that could serve as temporary congregate shelter space beginning in March 2025, when the Marshalling Yard facility is slated to close. Last week, City Council’s Public Health Committee…
