The Economic Development Department has announced final modifications to its Business Expansion Program, a key component of the city’s Chapter 380 economic development incentives. The updates, approved by City Council in September 2024 under Ordinance 20240926-013, are designed to increase small business participation and better align with Austin’s living wage policies. According to a memo […]
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
Infrastructure leaders slated to gather at AT&T Hotel and Conference Center
Policymakers, industry leaders and infrastructure experts will gather in Austin next month for Infraday Texas, an annual conference focused on the state’s most pressing infrastructure challenges and opportunities. Scheduled for April 2, the conference will take place at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 University Ave., 78705. The event will cover topics such as […]
Posted inWhispers
Central Health schedules Community Conversation event
Travis County residents can weigh in on local health care services during a Community Conversation with Commissioner Margaret Gómez on April 3. The event, hosted by Central Health, will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Del Valle ISD Administration Building (5301 Ross Road, Del Valle, TX 78617). The discussion will begin with […]
Posted inWhispers
Miller named city’s first poet laureate
Austin Public Library has named local poet and theater artist Zell Miller III as the city’s first-ever poet laureate. Miller, a celebrated writer and performer, will serve a two-year term from April 2025 to April 2027, leading poetry and literacy initiatives across the city. The Austin Poet Laureate Program was established by City Council in […]
Posted inPlanning
Resource, funding needs will delay South Shore cultural district until 2027
The South Shore Cultural District remains in limbo as the city prioritizes funding and resources for other cultural districts, pushing any substantial progress on South Shore until at least Fiscal Year 2027. A recent city memo from Anthony Segura, interim director of the Economic Development Department, explained that despite City Council’s directive to support economic […]
Posted inWhispers
HSEM offers preparation advice for wildfires, other emergencies
The city’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is offering an Emergency Preparedness Pop-Up event from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at the Windsor Park Branch Library to help prepare residents for wildfire risks and other emergences. Attendees will learn about wildfire prevention, flood preparedness, severe weather safety and other response strategies. Representatives from […]
Posted inPublic Health
City IDs progress, funding needs to carry out area food plan
A pair of recent city memos shows progress and the need for additional funding sources to implement the first comprehensive food plan for the Austin area. The two memos were released last week, outlining nine goals and 61 strategies aimed at strengthening the local food system, addressing food insecurity and improving food resilience. The plan, […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
SXSW shrinks as indie venues contemplate competitiveness
Last week, advocates and leaders in the independent music venue community gathered during South by Southwest to discuss how those thin-margined businesses can improve their chances to stay in business. A few days later, news came out that the festival will shrink by two days next year. The panel Small Stages, Big Impact: Saving Indie […]
Posted inWhispers
City looks to AI tools to reduce micromobility devices blocking sidewalks
City staff is considering artificial intelligence tools to make reductions in the number of e-scooters and other micromobility devices left in public rights of way. At the most recent meeting of the Mayor’s Committee for People With Disabilities, staff from the Transportation and Public Works Department said the companies that own and rent scooters have […]
Posted inWhispers
Austin’s housing, rental inventories increase while area prices decline overall
The Austin housing market continues to see median home and rental prices decline while inventory levels rise, according to the latest Central Texas Housing Report from Unlock MLS. The median home price in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA dropped 3.9 percent year-over-year to $430,000 in February. Closed sales in the MSA declined 6.5 percent to […]
Posted inHousing
SXSW panelists examine causes, effects of the city’s lack of Black homeowners
A South by Southwest panel discussion earlier this week didn’t gloss over the challenges Black communities in Austin face if they’re not already owners of highly valuable residential real estate. During the panel Advancing Black Homeownership Through Housing Equity, Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford used the panel’s location in Austin to frame how […]
Posted inWhispers
City attempts to engage property owner to help manage D2 encampment
City officials are facing legal hurdles in addressing a homeless encampment at 6706 Bluff Springs Road, located on private property near an HEB grocery store. In a message to her District 2 constituents, Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes said that while the city can clear encampments from public spaces, enforcing trespassing laws on private land […]