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Most Popular Stories
- HUD cuts could endanger portion of more than $15M in federal housing funds
- Austin Transit Partnership presents pedestrian features, changes to stops in revised Project Connect plan
- Austin’s new CapMetro Rapid lines debut with buses every 20 minutes
- Amid ongoing measles concerns, Austin ISD’s vaccination rate is below target for its youngest students
- Council sets the stage for more short-term rental regulations, with tax collection to begin in April
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By decriminalizing homelessness, Austin stumbles into legalized busking
The city’s recent changes to ordinances intended to decriminalize homelessness may have, in a roundabout way, provided a new way for Austin musicians to earn money while also ending a years-long legal stalemate. The issue in question centers around busking,…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 12, 2019
Camping rules continue to stoke arguments
City Council’s decision to revise ordinances related to where homeless people may camp, sit or lie down continues to cause controversy in the city, with some claiming the changes are making things worse for everyone, particularly law enforcement. Mayor Steve…
Austin • By Jo Clifton • Jul 11, 2019
Texas' strong economy is making it harder for officials to hire part-time census workers
The U.S. Census Bureau is having a tough time hiring workers in Texas for the 2020 census because the unemployment rate is so low – which means nonprofits and local governments may have to step in to make sure there’s…
Austin • By Ashley Lopez, KUT • Jul 11, 2019
Eckhardt proposes land swap with city for Palm School
Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt is willing to give the city of Austin the historic Palm School building. But she wants a lot in return. In a July 3 letter addressed to Mayor Steve Adler and City Council, Eckhardt proposed…
Austin • By Jack Craver • Jul 10, 2019
Merck withdraws from economic incentive plans
Pharmaceutical giant Merck has notified City Manager Spencer Cronk that it is terminating its incentive agreement with the city effective June 23. As a result, Merck will not have to comply with the terms of the agreement, which included an…
Austin • By Jo Clifton • Jul 3, 2019
Austin has new rules on panhandling, camping and resting in public. Here's what that means.
Three revisions to the city’s rules against panhandling, camping, and sitting or lying down in public went into effect Monday. People have feelings about that, and it’s unclear what impact the rules will have on those experiencing homelessness – or…
Austin • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Jul 2, 2019
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Short-term rental conference examines taxes, nuisances, compliance
Leaders of the national travel and lodging industry and local government officials involved in the evolving short-term rental economy will convene in Austin next month for what is believed to be the first-ever conference devoted to the issue. City regulators,…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 1, 2019
Convention center proponents eyeing new PAC to challenge expected ballot question
Mayor Steve Adler’s former campaign manager is preparing to launch a political action committee to lobby in favor of the proposed expansion of the Austin Convention Center if a group pushing a ballot question challenging the expansion succeeds in its…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 27, 2019
Kitchen, Tovo to push for speed in addressing housing, cultural preservation efforts
City Council members who have in the past pushed to create an external entity to pursue public/private partnerships and other opportunities focused around city priorities appear ready to direct staff to accelerate the process. In a report completed late last…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 18, 2019
Appraisal board lets June 4 decisions stand
The Travis Appraisal Review Board voted Wednesday to confirm property appraisal decisions that their individual panels made on June 4, in spite of an attempt by Board Chair Betty Thompson to have all of those decisions nullified and new hearings…
Austin • By Jo Clifton • Jun 13, 2019
'Statesman' reporter recounts 'mistake' that allowed lakefront properties to avoid paying taxes
Housing affordability is one of Austin’s biggest challenges during this period of economic growth. Even after someone buys a home or rents property, as the value of that property goes up, so does the annual tax bill. But some of…
Austin • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Jun 11, 2019
Downtown Commission wants city to open three new homeless shelters by 2020
The Austin Downtown Commission wants the city to push harder to create homeless shelters outside of downtown, asking City Council to create three satellite facilities by September 2020. The directive came as part of a recommendation passed unanimously at last…
