City Council continues to move forward with a potential challenge to commercial property values in the city, but there are still some details to be worked out. The push to challenge commercial property appraisals comes at a time when Austinites are seeing steep increases in their home valuations and property taxes. Recent research has shown […]
Local Politics
Posted inLocal Politics
Concerned over ACL noise, Morrison proposes fix
City Council members discussed a resolution Tuesday that could lead to changes in the outdoor amplified sound permitting process for large-scale music events on city parkland. The move follows complaints from residents about the sound coming from this year’s Austin City Limits festival at Zilker Park. The resolution, which is on the agenda for Thursday’s […]
Posted inLocal Politics
Council switch complicates City Auditor search
In addition to all the other changes that will soon take place at City Hall, Austin needs a new City Auditor to replace Ken Mory, who is stepping down in December. And, like everything else these days, the process of finding a new auditor is somewhat complicated by the upcoming changes to the City Council. […]
Posted inLocal Politics
Austin Tea Party ‘endorsement’ raises questions
Though early voting started on Monday, the race to City Council hasn’t come to a halt. Over the weekend, an endorsement from the Austin Tea Party had District 4 candidate Greg Casar crying foul and issuing allegations that the whole thing was a stunt to help his opponent win. The Austin Tea Party sent out […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Politics
Council takes small step toward approving micro units
Despite lingering concerns, City Council members moved tentatively forward with a micro unit ordinance at their last meeting, voting to approve the new regulations on first reading only. City Council voted 4-2 to approve the ordinance, but it was clear that questions about the proposed changes remained. Council Members Kathie Tovo and Laura Morrison voted […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Politics
Council debates Red River House designation
Last week, City Council took the first step toward designating a familiar Red River Street house as a historic landmark, despite the owner’s objections. “I dare say that anybody who has ever made a trip around the University of Texas campus or I-35 hasn’t failed to notice this house,” said Historic Preservation Officer Steve Sadowsky. […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Trio runs for seat on Barton Springs aquifer board
Three people will be on the Nov. 4 ballot running for the Precinct 2 seat on the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District board. Candidates include Blayne Stanberry, a civil engineer; Ron Stried, a retired veterinarian; and Terry Newton, a college professor. The Barton Springs aquifer district was created by the Texas Legislature in 1987, […]
Posted inPremium Types
TipSheet: Austin City Council 10/21 & 10/23
The Austin City Council meets in a work session Tuesday and for its regular meeting Thursday. In the interest of space, we’ve decided not to post the entire agenda here. The City Clerk’s office hosts a copy at its website, here. We’ve posted these in chronological order. Where applicable, however, we’ve paired items that appear […]
Posted inPremium Types
TipSheet: Travis County Commissioners 10/21
The Travis County Commissioners Court meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday. In the interest of space, we’ve decided not to post the entire agenda here. The County Clerk’s office hosts a copy at its website. Items of interest for Commissioners Court include: 8. CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION ON AN ORDER AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $15,100,000 TRAVIS […]
Posted inLocal Politics
Austin Monitor Radio, Show 19
Travis County Intergovernmental Coordinator Deece Eckstein joins Monitor Publisher Mike Kanin to talk about the upcoming legislative session and likely municipal impacts. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/172868674″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Politics
Staff pitches Long Park golf course project
City Council members got their first public look at a set of golf courses proposed by staff for development at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park on Thursday. According to staff, the facility would cost city taxpayers nothing, and would come with an agreement that could send a segment of course revenues back to Austin coffers. […]
Posted inLocal Politics, Resources
Council members disavow Gonzalez audit
On Thursday, City Council approved a resolution that backs away from a City Auditor’s report associated with the fraught ethics review of former Zero Waste Advisory Commissioner Daniela Ochoa Gonzalez. Though the measure initially passed on consent,Council Member Mike Martinez, who sponsored the item, moved to reconsider the motion so Council Member Kathie Tovo could […]