City auditors have found that, while the city’s registered lobbyists are largely complying with city regulations, there is one significant gap in the reporting requirements. Although lobbyists are required to report their in-person meetings, no such requirement exists for virtual meetings, according to a report discussed at last week’s City Council Audit & Finance Committee […]
City Hall
Posted inCity Hall
Resource Management Commission at stalemate over toxic materials resolution
Resource Management commissioners recently butted heads over a proposed resolution directing Austin Energy staff to facilitate a working group tasked with brainstorming how to dissuade builders from using toxic materials. The resolution ultimately did not pass, ending in a 4-4 tie vote, with one abstention. Ultimately there was some confusion over what exactly the resolution aimed […]
Posted inAustin
After initial push, city’s effort to eliminate Confederate names loses momentum
In the midst of the July 2020 protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd, the city of Austin passed a resolution committing to remove or rename all city-owned assets, such as streets and buildings, that have names commemorating the Confederacy or other white supremacist causes. The passage of that resolution is just one piece […]
Posted inAustin
Airport Hilton rebounds from pandemic losses
The Hilton hotel at Austin’s airport has made a significant recovery from the dark days of the pandemic, airport executives Tracy Thompson and Rajeev Thomas explained to the City Council Audit & Finance Committee Wednesday. During 2021, the Hilton’s occupancy rate was about 62 percent and the average daily room rate was slightly less than […]
Posted inAustin
City’s affordability crisis threatens to price out creative class
Leaders in the region’s entertainment and sports event industries see problems ahead if the city can’t address affordability problems that are forcing artists and working-class audiences to relocate to nearby suburbs. Pointing to the rising cost of living, transportation and other infrastructure issues, panelists at this month’s Urban Land Institute of Austin breakfast stressed that, […]
Posted inCity Council
Student-led civics project comes to life with passage of food equity resolution
Students with the St. Edward’s University Civics Lab celebrated the fruits of their labor this past Wednesday, as City Council members geared up to pass a resolution that would connect public transportation infrastructure to food equity initiatives. The resolution, which was passed unanimously (with Council Member Leslie Pool off the dais), directs Capital Metropolitan Transportation […]
Posted inAustin
EDC waiting on TIRZ formation while moving ahead with cultural trust funding proposals
The city’s economic development corporation is moving ahead with evaluating proposals from creative groups vying for some of the $16.9 million in cultural trust funds for creative spaces, but its role in helping manage development south of Lady Bird Lake is in limbo while the real estate market moves forward. Staff from the EDC, a […]
Posted inCity Hall
Parks supervisor resigns during inquiry into ethics allegations
A Parks and Recreation Department supervisor has resigned after running afoul of two ethics regulations. The fact that his supervisor misinterpreted one of the regulations likely compounded the problem. According to an audit released by the Office of the City Auditor, Jonathan Pixler violated regulations relating to a conflict of interest and also used city […]
Posted inBudget
Economic rebound, spending efficiency point to rosier budget picture
The city’s immediate financial outlook is looking more optimistic due to a strong rebound in sales tax collections, increased development, and City Council and city management’s efforts to slow the growth of city cost drivers over the last three years, according to Budget Officer Kerri Lang. However, city budget writers are also anticipating a budget […]
Posted inCity Council
Austin postpones vote on pilot program to provide basic income to struggling families
Elected officials in Austin decided Thursday to delay a vote on a program that would have sent a monthly stipend to low-income families, no strings attached. City Council Member Mackenzie Kelly, who represents far Northwest Austin, first called for a postponement. “There are parts of this item that have raised questions that remain to be answered,” […]
Posted inBudget
Community groups push for safety, public services in $73.5M budget request
More than 30 community groups and service organizations have created a list of recommendations for the next city budget, with 16 proposed expenditures focused around safety and public health totaling $73.5 million. Details on the Community Investment Budget were released to members of City Council and staff on Wednesday, ahead of budget talks that will […]
Posted inCity Council
Landlord misinterpretation prompts proposed amendment to help displaced renters
District 4 Council Member Chito Vela’s staff recently learned that renters in his Northeast Austin district were denied protections afforded to them under the Tenant Relocation Ordinance. Passed in 2016, the law established notification requirements for anyone seeking demolition permits, and in some cases, relocation assistance requirements for displaced tenants. “There is no question about […]