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City Council

Council wants changes to rapid rehousing for homeless ahead of federal aid cutoff

The city will look for ways to improve and possibly restructure assistance programs for those at risk of losing their homes, in anticipation of the end of federal aid used to address homelessness. Last week, City Council approved a resolution…

Austin approves additional property tax breaks for seniors and people with disabilities

City Council voted Thursday to raise the property tax exemption for homeowners who are 65 years and older and those with a disability. The move is an attempt to further curtail the amount of money residents pay taxes on. Homeowners…

Council adopts new two-minute rule for speakers

Though City Council moved forward with new two-minute time limits, several speakers at Thursday’s Council meeting urged them to adopt a rule giving each speaker three minutes per item, the amount prescribed by Judge Madeleine Connor in April and Judge…

Council supports relocating and expanding Barton Creek sewage pipe

The prospect of an expanded and relocated Barton Creek wastewater line has Southwest Austin property owners hopeful of getting redevelopment projects off the ground. On the other hand, environmental advocates worry that an expanded sewage pipe will encourage more growth…

Council to honor former member by naming a bend in Shoal Creek trail

At 1 p.m. today, City Council will consider and most likely approve an ordinance honoring former Council Member Chris Riley, who has spent years advocating for Austin’s trails and greenbelts, as well as for the safety of those who use…

As federal funds decrease, Council to consider future funding for homelessness

With the city nearly exhausted of the federal money dedicated to providing housing for people who are homeless, City Council will likely direct staff to adjust and improve processes, in coordination with Travis County, for short-term assistance and long-term housing…

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Pro and con: HOME 2 brings out the speakers

The May 16 City Council meeting promised to be a long one, with four controversial changes to the city’s development rules and one much less controversial but important proposal creating rules for placement of electric vehicle charging stations. Many of…

Texas attorney general threatens Austin over City Council's effort to protect health care for transgender people

Shortly after City Council acted Thursday to protect transgender people from discriminatory health care laws, Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a threatening statement, vowing to “consider every possible response to ensure compliance” with state law prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors.…

Council approves initiative to conduct inventory of public trees

On Thursday, City Council elevated the significance of Austin’s trees by initiating a comprehensive inventory of the city’s trees alongside a detailed tree planting and maintenance strategy. The measure follows Council’s approval last month of a direction for more street…

Extra security, extra stress, new rules at Council meeting

Each speaker at a City Council meeting now has three minutes – instead of two – to speak on each item they signed up to address because of a temporary restraining order granted Wednesday by Travis County District Judge Madeleine…

Photo courtesy of city of Austin.

Marshalling Yard shelter could get $1M extension and stay open through March 2025

The city’s Marshalling Yard congregate shelter, which currently serves up to 300 people at a time, could receive an extension from City Council to stay open until next March. An item on today’s agenda would provide an additional $1 million…

Tourism Commission pushes Council for more equitable funding for arts groups, districts

Using Hotel Occupancy Tax dollars or General Fund budget allocations, the Tourism Commission wants the city to fund cultural districts and local arts groups that have historically been left out of consideration for ongoing city support. At its most recent…

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