Sections

About Us

 
Make a Donation
Local • Independent • Essential News
 

Stories by Madeline de Figueiredo

Eviction crisis spreads as affordability pressures worsen

A record-breaking 13,210 evictions were filed in Travis County in 2024, according to a memo released last week from BASTA (Building and Strengthening Tenant Action), a project of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. The memo, a snapshot with key evictions-related findings…

Housing • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Mar 24, 2025

Technology Commission approves FY 26 budget recommendations to address digital equity

Austin’s Technology Commission unanimously approved five recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, based on a digital needs assessment, to address digital equity in Austin including funding for affordable devices, expanded public internet access and increased digital skills training for…

Budget • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Mar 11, 2025

Parks and Rec Board to explore "rainbow bridge" pet memorial

The Parks and Recreation Board voted Tuesday to form a working group tasked with exploring the creation of a “rainbow bridge” pet memorial at a city park. The proposed interactive feature would allow park visitors to honor their pets, particularly…

Parks • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Mar 4, 2025

Commercial EV station moves forward despite opposition

After the Planning Commission denied the request for a commercial electric-vehicle charging lot in East Austin last April, the project is moving forward based on an ordinance passed by City Council. Last April, the Planning Commission voted 7-3-3 to deny…

Land Development Code • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Feb 19, 2025

Commissioner Travillion finds integration of public services as key to success

In 2024, Travis County Commissioner Jeff Travillion approached his work with a clear conviction: The challenges facing East Austinites are deeply interconnected. To truly serve his constituents, he recognized that solving these issues required a multidimensional approach – what he…

Travis County • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Jan 7, 2025

Council Member José Velásquez seeks to reframe local representation

As Council Member José Velásquez tackled a wide array of issues in 2024, he has remained focused on the three tenets that guide his work and decision-making: “affordability, accessibility and action.” Pursuing these principles has pushed him to redefine the…

City Council • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Dec 26, 2024

Subscribe to our newsletter

Subscribe

ZAP postpones decision on Panda Express permit as commission fails to approve drive-through

The Zoning and Platting Commission delayed a decision on a conditional use permit for a drive-through at a proposed Panda Express off William Cannon Drive, after commissioners failed to approve the drive-through proposal. The proposed Panda Express would be located…

Development • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Dec 10, 2024

ZAP Commission forwards recommendation allowing some commercial uses in residential zones

The Zoning and Platting Commission voted to move forward a recommendation on allowing some commercial uses in residential zones to the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee and Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee. The proposed recommendation allows limited commercial uses in residential…

Development • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Dec 6, 2024

City Council passes resolution prioritizing co-op housing for older people and people with disabilities

City Council passed a resolution Thursday directing the city manager to prioritize city-owned land for the development of income-restricted, shared-equity housing for older residents and people with disabilities, including options like cooperative housing and community land trusts. The resolution also…

Housing • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Nov 26, 2024

Planning Commission recommends rezoning of Anderson Square

The Planning Commission voted to rezone Anderson Square in Tuesday’s meeting against staff’s recommendation.  The property is a 16-acre retail center near the intersection of North Lamar Boulevard and U.S. Highway 183 – currently home to businesses such as Hobby…

Zoning • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Nov 25, 2024

Commission fails to reach recommendation on historic zoning for East Austin house

After a series of votes, the Planning Commission failed to reach a decision on recommending historic zoning for an East Austin house, leaving the issue to be decided by City Council without their input.  The property at 900 Spence St.…

Preservation • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Nov 20, 2024

Planning Commission postpones East Austin rezoning decision after clerical error

After more than half a dozen community members took the dais to speak against an East Austin rezoning request, the Planning Commission voted to postpone its decision due to a clerical issue in the agenda. This marks the second consecutive…

Zoning • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Nov 15, 2024

The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Next Page »

Back to Top