Stories by Jack Craver
Paige Ellis represents sharp political shift for Southwest Austin's District 8
Paige Ellis, the incoming City Council member for District 8, has very different political views from her predecessor, Ellen Troxclair, who spent the last two years as the only Republican on Council. Ellis, who made her affiliation with the Democratic…
City Charter • By Jack Craver • Dec 28, 2018
Alison Alter relishes academic approach to government
Two years into her tenure on City Council, District 10 Council Member Alison Alter said she remains focused on the reasons she ran for the seat against former Council Member Sheri Gallo. “I didn’t run as a political insider, nor…
City Council • By Jack Craver • Dec 28, 2018
Ann Kitchen focused on 'fixing people's problems'
City Council Member Ann Kitchen is the first member of the 10-1 Council to win re-election unopposed. “I was surprised,” Kitchen said of her lack of opponent in this year’s election. “But I was certainly happy about that. I’m pleased…
City Council • By Jack Craver • Dec 27, 2018
Flannigan reflects on 'crazy, crazy year'
Council Member Jimmy Flannigan believes City Council had a lot more to deal with in 2018 than it should have. Council welcomed a new city manager, found new chiefs for the police and fire departments, engaged in an extended dispute…
City Council • By Jack Craver • Dec 27, 2018
Greg Casar optimistic but ready to fight in 2019
Council Member Greg Casar has a lot of good things to say about 2018. “In January we laid out a set of goals,” he said, referring to his staff. “We accomplished all of the big priorities.” “Even though we’re under…
City Council • By Jack Craver • Dec 26, 2018
Harper-Madison wants more housing, transportation options for District 1
Above all else, Natasha Harper-Madison, the incoming City Council member for District 1, wants to use her new platform to connect more people to the decisions made every day at City Hall. The campaign Harper-Madison waged for the Council seat…
City Hall • By Jack Craver • Dec 21, 2018
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Council gives initial approval for plan to transform Sekrit Theater
At its Dec. 13 meeting, City Council unanimously approved a zoning change that will transform Sekrit Theater into a community of small, eclectic houses. “I just want to be creative and build something I can be proud of and that…
Zoning • By Jack Craver • Dec 19, 2018
Old UT Co-op may become medical offices
The former University Co-op building on the corner of Medical Arts and Dean Keeton streets may soon be home to doctors’ offices and banks after City Council voted to rezone the property to allow medical uses and financial services. Following a…
Zoning • By Jack Craver • Dec 18, 2018
Council hopes to reduce car use with two initiatives
At its last meeting of the year Thursday, City Council approved two measures aimed at encouraging people to get out of their cars. One item, crafted by Council Member Delia Garza, instructs the city manager to put together a working…
Transportation • By Jack Craver • Dec 14, 2018
Council ponders ways to make meetings shorter, less confusing
As part of its ongoing efforts to make government more efficient and productive, City Council is discussing potential changes to how meetings are run. The conversation was kicked off by the city’s CFO Elaine Hart, who highlighted a number of…
City Council • By Jack Craver • Dec 13, 2018
Natasha Harper-Madison easily prevails in District 1
After finishing in a virtual tie in the general election, Natasha Harper-Madison easily defeated Mariana Salazar to become the next Council member for District 1 in East and Northeast Austin. Harper-Madison carried the low-turnout runoff election 72 percent to 28…
Elections • By Jack Craver • Dec 12, 2018
Renteria bests sister Almanza again
Council Member Pio Renteria held on to his seat the same way he won it four years ago: by beating his sister. The incumbent representative of District 3, which covers much of Central East and Southeast Austin, easily won re-election…
