Even after nearly two years of Covid-19 restrictions, Austin continues to have one of the strongest regional economies in the United States. Austin Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Laura Huffman says the key to that bounce-back comes from the diversity of the local business community. With health care a growing presence because of the […]
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2021: Remembering the year that was
Though everyone reading this lived through it, it’s still somewhat unbelievable that 2021 continued the vibe of 2020. Nonetheless, we are taking a backward glance at what happened in our fair city over the past 12 months and throwing caution to the winds in looking forward to the next 12. See you in 2022! The […]
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Church leaders praise city, county for committing fed funds toward homelessness
Leaders from 50 religious organizations around Travis County have praised the work of city and county leaders who have dedicated more than $200 million toward ending homelessness in Central Texas. In an online forum on Tuesday, leaders of congregations from Central Texas Interfaith gathered with their constituents to discuss the significance of Austin City Council […]
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As the pandemic drags on, 24/7 dining makes a return to Austin
Last month, Bennu Coffee was able to reach a milestone it had been after for months: resuming the 24/7 hours of operation it had gained a reputation for among Austinites. At the moment, only Bennu’s Highland location is open around the clock, but owners Stephanie and Steve Williams are already making plans to open up […]
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Cultural trust hopes to build pipeline of future creative space projects
The city’s new economic development corporation expects to begin its investment in a half-dozen venues and creative space projects by late spring, with $16.9 million in play to help combat the displacement of arts-focused businesses and organizations. The money will be available to a handful of applicants who submit to a recently opened request for […]
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Safer Sixth Street push includes call to rezone portions of entertainment district
City staffers expect to deliver recommendations early next month for a pilot program intended to make the Sixth Street entertainment district safer by gradually changing the mix of business and cultural activities there. A recent news report revealed some details of the pilot, saying it would target the 200 and 500 blocks of East Sixth […]
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Austin economy seeing ‘growth surge’ coming out of pandemic
Driven by strong job growth, in-migration and the ongoing supply of federal stimulus funds, the Austin area is experiencing a “growth surge” that economists expect to continue for the foreseeable future. That was the main message at a recent economic forecast presentation organized by the Austin Chamber, where the vital statistics of the national and […]
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Long Center seeks to act as administrative hub for new creative consortium
Executives with the Long Center for the Performing Arts want the facility to serve as an administrative hub for local arts groups, providing shared services that could lower costs and eventually bring in major corporate donations to benefit member organizations. At this month’s Arts Commission meeting, Cory Baker, CEO of the Long Center, presented the […]
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City starts second phase of homeless housing plan
The city’s push to move at least 200 people out of homeless encampments and into permanent housing began earlier this week, with 15 people living in the Slaughter Creek floodplain in South Austin receiving assistance and temporary housing. The effort marks the kickoff of the second phase of the city’s Homeless Encampment Assistance Link, or […]
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Audit praises city’s Covid assistance efforts, with rental payment results mixed
An audit found mixed results in the execution of some of the city’s programs created with federal money to provide assistance with the many impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. A report last week from the Office of the City Auditor found that four programs administered by the Economic Development Department performed well according to city […]
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Transit jobs, affordability concerns added as priorities for area job training plan
Job training leaders are emphasizing the rising cost of housing in the Austin area as one of the pain points that can be solved through education and rapid placement with major employers in need of workers. Workforce Solutions Capital Area is putting the finishing touches on its new Hire Local campaign, which is an update […]
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City presents long-awaited follow-up on Winter Storm Uri
As Austin prepares for colder temperatures, a coalition of teams led by the city’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has finalized its after-action report on February’s Winter Storm Uri. Staying well past 10 p.m. last Thursday, City Council ended its meeting with a briefing on the report’s findings. The briefing, which included presentations […]