Stories by Kali Bramble
Debate intensifies over code changes to Butler Hike and Bike trail
Austin’s Parks and Recreation Board drew a crowd this past Monday, gathering to debate a number of code amendments targeting the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake. The amendments, prompted by City Council direction…
Parks • By Kali Bramble • Feb 29, 2024
Electric Utility Commission offers climate-friendly recommendations for Austin Energy update
As the deadline approaches for an update to Austin Energy’s Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan, the city’s Electric Utility Commission is joining the conversation, banding behind its own proposal for the coming decade. The proposal, formed in collaboration with…
Energy • By Kali Bramble • Feb 26, 2024
Landmark commissioners seek recourse for TxDOT's threat to Edward Rendon Sr. Park
As Austinites brace themselves for nearly a decade of construction on Interstate 35, the Historic Landmark Commission is joining forces with activists resisting demolition of a historic pecan grove in East Austin’s Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach. The…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Feb 16, 2024
Legacy grocery and botanica in East Austin on its way to landmark status
An East Austin grocery-turned-herbal and spiritual goods shop is on its way to securing historic zoning protections, with Historic Landmark Commissioners voting unanimously last week to punt the case to the city’s Planning Commission. Commissioners say that Green and White…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Feb 12, 2024
Push for low-carbon concrete taking longer to solidify than anticipated
The city of Austin is following up on its promise to transition to low-carbon concrete, though it says the plan will take several years to settle into place. Staff from the Office of the City Engineer joined the Joint Sustainability…
Environment • By Kali Bramble • Feb 6, 2024
Critics say Austin Energy's proposal to pivot toward hydrogen could do more harm than good
As Austin Energy drafts an update to its Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan, industry watchdogs are doing their homework, investigating a controversial proposal to construct a brand-new gas plant designed to burn carbon-neutral green hydrogen. Among those asking questions…
Energy • By Kali Bramble • Feb 1, 2024
Subscribe to our newsletter
Arts nonprofit lands historic preservation funding for East Austin gallery space
A historic grocery store-turned-gallery space on East Cesar Chavez is on the path to landmark designation, with unanimous support from the Historic Landmark Commission to initiate the zoning process. The zoning case comes as nonprofit Women and Their Work accepts…
Uncategorized • By Kali Bramble • Jan 24, 2024
City Council approves 2024 Heritage Preservation Grants
On Thursday, City Council approved a list of Heritage Preservation Grants funded by $3.59 million in Hotel Occupancy Tax dollars. The 23 applicants will receive anywhere from $15,000 to $250,000 to fund their proposals, which range from concrete repair projects…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Jan 19, 2024
Historic Black church slated for renovation as duplex
As St. Annie African Methodist Episcopal Church prepares to relocate to new digs farther north, the iconic white building that served as its home for over a century is poised to start a new life as a residential duplex. The…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Jan 16, 2024
Vela: Austin may have country's most progressive housing policy
Chito Vela has had no sophomore slump in 2023. In his second year, the District 4 City Council member has ushered in a new regimen of land use policies tackling Austin’s housing crisis at breakneck speed. “We were in a…
City Hall • By Kali Bramble • Dec 27, 2023
Shea continues search for creative solutions to climate crisis
As an environmentalist, Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea spends a lot of time thinking about worst-case scenarios. Still, the commissioner’s approach to leadership is far from doom and gloom. In fact, as the climate crisis worsens across the globe, Shea…
Travis County • By Kali Bramble • Dec 21, 2023
Council greenlights update to urban trails, sidewalks and bikes plan with last-minute amendments
As the city prepares for a decade of unprecedented public transportation and highway infrastructure projects, Austin’s Transportation Department is making moves to spread the love to those choosing to walk, bike or roll. Since early last year, staff has been…
