Stories by Jimmy Maas
Travis County ponders paying employees to leave car at home
Travis County employees, Pct. 2 Commissioner Bruce Todd wants you to leave your car at home. And if the plan goes through, the county will pay you to do so. In what turned into a long and wide-ranging discussion…
Local Government • By Jimmy Maas • Jan 29, 2014
Commissioners postpone resolution to support Project Connect
There was no resolution this week from Travis County Commissioners about supporting Project Connect, the high-capacity, cross-agency transit plan for the Austin metropolitan area. The court mainly heard from supporters of Project Connect Tuesday. “I have been in…
Local Government • By Jimmy Maas • Jan 23, 2014
No contract between Travis County and Saxet Gun Show promoters
This weekend’s Saxet Gun Show at the Travis County Exposition Center will likely be the last one at that venue for the foreseeable future. For the second time in three weeks, the Travis County Commissioners Court heard public comment…
Local Government • By Jimmy Maas • Jan 22, 2014
Travis County approves economic development incentives rules
Finalizing an effort that has been months in the making, the Travis County Commissioners unanimously approved revised economic development incentives for the county Tuesday. “It’s been a struggle working on this and I think we’ve done a pretty good…
Development • By Jimmy Maas • Jan 17, 2014
Travis Commissioners approve fee increases for county parks
Travis County Commissioners voted Tuesday to raise fees for visitors to Travis County parks, but it is not clear exactly when that hike will happen. Commissioners approved the increase to close a potential budget gap. This is the first…
Local Government • By Jimmy Maas • Jan 15, 2014
County, promoter at impasse over background checks at gun show
Travis County Commissioners and the promoter of the Saxet Gun Shows reached an impasse Tuesday over a contract provision that would require the promoter to perform background checks on all gun sales. Negotiations for a year’s lease to hold eight…
Local Government • By Jimmy Maas • Jan 8, 2014
Subscribe to our newsletter
Newly formed Civil Service Commission still developing rules
Austin’s newly formed Municipal Civil Service Commission continued to work at answering a number of fundamental questions aimed at developing a set of operating rules at its meeting Tuesday night at City Hall. Voters approved a civil service system…
Local Politics • By Jimmy Maas • Dec 19, 2013
Council endorses Lone Star Rail but hangs on to the money
Lone Star Rail will move forward with the backing of the Austin City Council, though not with any of the city’s money just yet. In a 6-1 vote, the City Council authorized the city’s participation in the Lone Star…
Local Politics • By Jimmy Maas • Dec 13, 2013
City Ethics Commission clears Almanza of conflict of interest
An emotional battle between a business shut down by the city and an Austin Parks and Recreation Board member came to an official end Wednesday. The fallout may be felt for some time, perhaps even into the next election cycle.…
Local Politics • By Jimmy Maas • Dec 6, 2013
Project Connect defends decision to bypass Lamar corridor for transit
Almost two weeks after Project Connect recommended the Highland and East Riverside areas to move forward to the next phase of transit expansion in Austin, it opened itself to feedback on the plan last Tuesday. And what most people…
Transportation • By Jimmy Maas • Dec 2, 2013
City Council rejects attempt to establish ‘Healthy Food Zones’
The City of Austin will not be establishing Healthy Food Zones any time soon. And, for now, the city won’t be looking into whether Austin even needs them. A resolution sponsored mainly by Council Member Laura Morrison would have…
