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City Council

Council Member Flannigan seeks to revise Austin's drainage fee system

For much of her life as a homeowner, Joan Reames never noticed the drainage charge on her monthly utility bill. That was until the city revised the system in 2015. Reames said the monthly fee for her condo complex suddenly…

Reporter's Notebook: It's the little things

Honorifics Olympics… Mayor Steve Adler appears to be having a tough time deciding how to refer to Council Member Alison Alter on the dais. The mayor tends to address his Council colleagues as “Mr.” or “Ms.” during meetings, but on…

Sleep researchers cheer on Council members as they consider ways to avoid late nights

Early on June 24, 2016, City Council Member Delia Garza checked her watch. “We’re making a decision about $720 million at 1:35 in the morning after lengthy discussions,” Garza told her colleagues. “After in my opinion, no real agreement on…

Council moves toward changing meeting rules

City Council members took a significant step Tuesday toward revising the way they conduct meetings as well as the time frames for scheduling business on the agenda in the hope that they can reduce the number of hours spent sitting…

Group says Champion tract vote broke rules

City Council is facing yet another possible lawsuit over a vote it took that may not have complied with the Texas Open Meetings Act. City Attorney Anne Morgan confirmed Monday that she plans to discuss the matter with Council in…

City approves Merck incentives, waits for decision on IT hub

Austin will provide up to $856,000 in economic incentives to pharmaceutical giant Merck Sharp & Dohme if the company chooses Austin as the site for a proposed information technology hub. By a 7-3-1 vote, City Council approved a Chapter 380…

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Pharma giant's proposed incentives draw questions in first review

City Council members have tended away from using incentives packages in recent years, averaging one approval per year to lure large employers to the area. Based on questioning and feedback from an initial discussion last week, it appears that 2017’s…

Council OKs waiver of anti-lobbying ordinance

City Council on Thursday approved a temporary waiver of the city’s anti-lobbying ordinance for companies and individuals who wish to talk to the Council working group on solid waste issues. The vote was 7-1-1, with Council Member Ellen Troxclair voting…

Here's how Austin wants to solve institutional racism

In November, Mayor Steve Adler announced the formation of a group of local leaders tasked with suggesting city policy that could begin to ensure equity throughout the city. On Tuesday, the Mayor’s Task Force on Institutional Racism and Systemic Equities…

Troxclair's legislative speeches criticized

During a legislative briefing at Tuesday’s City Council work session, Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo criticized Council Member Ellen Troxclair for testifying against the city’s position on three hot topics at the Texas Legislature. “I need to express my grave…

Construction of new Central Library overdue, again

City Council members learned last week that the completion of the new downtown public library has been hit with delays, again. “I do think that it is getting very close, but I don’t have a specific date that I can…

Council clashes over changes to Austin Oaks plan

City Council members struggled to find common ground on changes to the Austin Oaks planned unit development Thursday. Spire Realty Group’s proposed 1.19 million-square-foot mixed-use project would create a “meaningful employment center” on 31 acres away from downtown Austin, said…

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