On Monday, Travis County District Court Judge Jessica Mangrum released her official ruling in Acuña v. City of Austin, finding that City Council violated prior court orders and state law when it approved three major zoning ordinances in 2022. The court also found that one ordinance challenged by plaintiffs is still valid because of a […]
Jo Clifton
Jo Clifton is the Politics Editor for the Austin Monitor.
Posted inWhispers
Staff provides alternatives for HOME amendments
Today is a big day for Austin residents who either support or oppose the changes to zoning put forth in the HOME initiative. Council will begin to hear from the public and deliberate on the proposal at 10 a.m. There are numerous wrinkles to be worked out in implementing the initiative, in particular several suggested […]
Posted inLand Development Code
HOME proponents, opponents speak out
City Council Member Leslie Pool led the charge in talking about the HOME initiative at a City Hall press conference Tuesday. Joining her in promoting the plan to reconfigure Austin’s single-family zoning rules were several Council members as well as representatives of labor, environmental and transit organizations. As of late, Pool has been the surprise […]
Posted inCity Hall
Audit examines alleged fraud by employee of Forensic Science Department
The former forensic services manager for the city’s Forensic Science Department allegedly misused his city credit card to purchase $3,000 worth of gift cards and firearm accessories for his personal use, according to a report issued by the Office of the City Auditor. Staff of the Financial Services Department discovered Efrain Perez’s alleged misuse of […]
Posted inCity Council
Council postpones decision on historic Barton Springs Bridge reconstruction
Although city staff urged City Council to authorize a complete destruction and rebuilding of the historic Barton Springs Bridge, Council postponed action on the item Thursday. Several members of the public urged them not to move forward with the plan and criticized the process for lacking sufficient public input. “When the Council is asked to […]
Posted inWhispers
Claire Hempel elected as new Planning Commission chair
The Planning Commission has elected a new interim chair because the current chair, Todd Shaw, will be leaving the commission at the end of the year. Shaw is completing his fourth term and is ready to move on to other endeavors. He nominated Claire Hempel, who has served as vice chair. Commissioner Jennifer Mushtaler expressed […]
Posted inWhispers
Another Alter joins the gang
City Council Member Ryan Alter and his wife, Rita, are pleased to announce the birth of their third child. Alistair Wolf Alter was born Tuesday, a few days earlier than expected. Dad said both mother and baby are doing fine and were still resting at St. David’s hospital Wednesday afternoon. Alistair joins 4-year-old Aurora and […]
Posted inLand Development Code
Staff, City Council continue to work on HOME initiative
At Tuesday’s work session, City Council heard from the city’s planning staff as well as two architects from the local American Institute of Architects housing committee on various aspects of the HOME initiative, a proposal to make changes to the city’s Land Development Code. Council is scheduled to hold its last hearing on Dec. 7 […]
Posted inCourts
City, plaintiffs at odds over court order on development rules
After the city of Austin lost a lawsuit that claimed City Council had violated the law in approving three ordinances designed to make it easier to develop housing, Judge Jessica Mangrum told the two sides to draw up an order reflecting her decisions, including any fines the city would be required to pay as a […]
Posted inLocal Politics
Candidates signing up for 2024 City Council races
Although City Council elections are nearly a year away, two incumbents and eight contenders have already indicated their intention to run by filing paperwork appointing campaign treasurers. Another has also told the Austin Monitor that he plans to run again. District 2 Council Member Vanessa Fuentes and District 6 Council Member Mackenzie Kelly filed new […]
Posted inLand Development Code
Planning Commission wants more teeth in HOME proposal
After 12 hours of listening to citizens’ suggestions and complaints about the proposed changes to the Land Development Code, known as the HOME initiative, the Planning Commission last week came up with a number of technical recommendations for City Council to consider when adopting the new regulations. Council and the commission held a joint hearing […]
Posted inLand Development Code
Environmental Commission ponders HOME initiative
Dave Sullivan, a longtime advocate for environmental causes and a member of the city’s Environmental Commission, offered his colleagues a motion supporting City Council’s proposed HOME initiative at this week’s meeting. According to Sullivan’s motion, last month the commission heard that in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support Project Connect, Austin needs to […]