A billion-dollar development deal is in the works to reimagine the Brodie Oaks shopping center with the spotlight on ecology, connectivity and performance. Kate Clark with the Housing and Planning Department briefed the Environmental Commission on March 3, while Rebecca Leonard, CEO of Lionheart, an Austin urban design and planning firm, spoke for the applicant. The proposed […]
Seth Smalley
Posted inWhispers
Adler and Brown write to the gov
Yesterday Gov. Greg Abbott ended the state’s mask mandate and touted the importance of reopening businesses to 100 percent capacity. The same day, Mayor Steve Adler and County Judge Andy Brown sent a letter to the governor, urging him not to discard the face mask mandate. “Supported by our public health professionals, we believe it […]
Posted inPublic Health
Travis County continues to address damage from Winter Storm Uri
The Commissioners Court fielded ongoing conversation Tuesday regarding the lasting impacts of Winter Storm Uri, with a particular focus on damage from burst pipes. “We continue to do winter weather operations at the operation center. We have shifted into what they call phase two, focusing on delivering drinking water to apartment complexes and single-family residences. […]
Posted inPremium Types
TipSheet: Travis County, 3.2.21
The Travis County Commissioners Court meets every Tuesday at 9 a.m. To help our readers stay informed, each week we offer a selection of interesting items from the voting session agenda. The entire agenda is available at the Travis County website. The meeting will be streamed live on the Travis County website and the Travis County YouTube channel. Item 1: Receive comments regarding […]
Posted inTravis County
County wants permanent supportive housing – but first, where’s the money?
The Commissioners Court fielded statements from county executives Tuesday regarding a negotiation to fund hundreds of units of permanent supportive housing. Justice and Public Safety Executive Roger Jefferies spoke, as well as Health and Human Services Executive Sherri Fleming. The proposal, Jefferies explained, was nothing new. In 2016, the Commissioners Court OK’d a similar collaboration between […]
Posted inTravis County
County rose to weather crisis challenge – but it’s not over yet
As the weather warmed and the snow and ice began to thaw, Austin Water and other utilities in Travis County began to discover breaks in water mains. On top of rolling blackouts, the depressurization of water lines created the need for a boil-water notice and a subsequent demand for clean drinking water throughout the state. […]
Posted inTravis County
County issues anti-price gouging order
Last Thursday, in partnership with the Office of the Travis County Judge, the Travis County Attorney’s Office drafted an order prohibiting price-gouging for the duration of the Texas energy crisis. At an emergency session of the Commissioners Court, County Attorney Delia Garza briefed the commissioners on the disaster order, possible penalties, enforcement policy, and public […]
Posted inPremium Types
TipSheet: Travis County, 2.23.21
The Travis County Commissioners Court meets every Tuesday at 9 a.m. To help our readers stay informed, each week we offer a selection of interesting items from the voting session agenda. The entire agenda is available at the Travis County website. The meeting will be streamed live on the Travis County website and the archived footage will be available after the […]
Posted inEnvironment
Frigid temps put strain on wildlife and pets alike
As an energy crisis triggered by unusually frigid weather persists throughout the state, even our wild neighbors have struggled to adjust, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reports. Mortality events have been observed in several bird species, including various species of waterfowl, purple martins and other songbirds. Fatalities are more likely in areas in which abnormal […]
Posted inAustin
Animal Advisory Commission fields outcry over Gracywoods guinea fowl
In Sub-Saharan Africa, where bloodthirsty predators abound, the guinea fowl’s large numbers, fast legs, and plucky dispositions help protect them from looming peril. But over 8,000 miles away, in the charming North Austin neighborhood of Gracywoods, the birds face a different sort of threat, one their sundry adaptations can’t remedy: indignant neighbors. “I want to […]
Posted inWhispers
Weather closes down county
Travis County Judge Andy Brown announced yesterday that all Travis County facilities and offices, including the Commissioners Court, will be closed today due to unprecedented winter weather. Emergency and essential county staff will continue to work, however. The Commissioners Court will convene another day, depending on upcoming weather reports. Editor’s Note: Andy Brown on the […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Commissioners Court endorses ESD-17 for May ballot
The Commissioners Court held a public hearing Tuesday on a contentious ballot initiative to create a new emergency services district overlay. After hearing from proponents and opponents alike, ultimately the commissioners unanimously endorsed the referendum, which will appear on ballots this May. As it stands, the petitioners – led by the Pflugerville Firefighters Association – […]