Stories by Jack Craver
Travis County to establish first 'strategic plan'
The Travis County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to begin formulating a long-range strategic plan to guide county policies and budgeting practices for years to come. The executives in charge of the county’s eight major departments have put in place strategic…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • May 23, 2019
Many parents at risk of losing their children look to Travis County's Office of Parental Representation
Low-income criminal defendants aren’t the only people Travis County is required to provide with legal representation. Parents at risk of losing custody of their children are also afforded assistance at no cost from the county Office of Parental Representation. OPR,…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • May 17, 2019
More than just a toll roads agency: CTRMA touts transit, bike and walking infrastructure
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s ability to build new toll roads may be temporarily stymied by opposition from state leaders, but the agency is keeping busy with major ongoing projects. While the great majority of its spending is on…
Roads • By Jack Craver • May 15, 2019
Travis County leaders urge vigilance on flooding
Heavy rains over the past two weeks have not resulted in major residential flooding, but at least one death appears to be linked to flooding and government officials are urging residents to avoid certain waterways and to be on high…
EMS • By Jack Craver • May 14, 2019
Austin Monitor Radio: John Riedie
Austin Monitor reporter Jack Craver chats with John Riedie, CEO of the Austin Creative Alliance, to discuss the challenges the arts economy faces in Austin and why Riedie opposes plans to fund an expansion of the convention center. Austin…
Radio • By Jack Craver • May 13, 2019
Commissioners Court makes move on public defender's office
Travis County took a crucial step toward creating a public defender’s office when the Commissioners Court voted 4-1 Tuesday to submit an application for state funding to set one up. The commissioners made the move after months of debate among…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • May 8, 2019
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County leaders denounce anti-lobbying proposal
In addition to imposing strict constraints on local governments’ ability to raise property tax revenue, Republicans at the state Legislature want to limit how those governments can spend their tax dollars. A number of bills have been filed this session…
Texas State Legislature • By Jack Craver • May 6, 2019
Central Health considers how to raise awareness of its existence
With limited funds and the threat of revenue restrictions from the state, Central Health, Travis County’s public hospital district, is grappling with how to make the best use of its resources. At a town hall forum Monday at its headquarters…
Budget • By Jack Craver • May 2, 2019
Commissioners Court punts on affordable housing project
The Travis County Commissioners Court declined to take action on a proposed affordable housing project in eastern Travis County Tuesday. County Judge Sarah Eckhardt said the court would take up the matter at next week’s meeting, without hinting at how…
Planning • By Jack Craver • May 1, 2019
Travis County braces for lean times
Travis County commissioners spent a good chunk of Tuesday morning fuming over state legislation targeting local control, notably a proposal that will sharply limit the ability of local governments to raise property tax revenue. A bill recently approved by the…
Texas State Legislature • By Jack Craver • Apr 25, 2019
Revenue caps loom over discussion of public defender's office
Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt warmly welcomed a proposal to establish a county public defender’s office, saying it was imperative that Travis County join the vast majority of major urban jurisdictions in providing attorneys to represent criminal defendants who can’t…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • Apr 24, 2019
A big problem for low-income homeowners: septic tanks
For the most part, living in rural Travis County is cheaper than living in the city of Austin. Land values, property taxes and rents are all significantly lower. Sewage, however, often costs significantly more. The problems and costs associated with…
