Local Politics
Source of Income ordinance blocked, for now
A federal judge Tuesday temporarily blocked the implementation of a city ordinance that aims to expand housing options for low-income residents who use housing vouchers. The so-called Source of Income Ordinance was scheduled to go into effect Jan. 12. However,…
Austin • By Gene Davis • Jan 7, 2015
Partisan politics arise at new Commissioners Court
Travis County Commissioners met for the first time Tuesday with new County Judge Sarah Eckhardt and Pct. 2 Commissioner Brigid Shea on the court. The spirit of cooperation and goodwill present when the new court convened lasted about an hour before…
Austin • By Mark Richardson • Jan 7, 2015
Pool excited to tackle a wide array of issues
As a longtime managed growth advocate, District 7 City Council Member Leslie Pool has developed a succinct metaphor to explain her position on the issue. “I have likened Austin’s economic development since the last recession to trying to drink water…
Austin • By Tyler Whitson • Jan 7, 2015
Zimmerman seeks to shake things up at City Hall
City Council Member-elect Don Zimmerman will serve as a voice for residents of District 6 when the new 10-1 Council takes office today. In the coming year, Zimmerman said he plans to focus his efforts on relieving traffic congestion and…
Austin • By Kara Nuzback • Jan 6, 2015
Kitchen says Council meeting reform is top priority
Though District 5 City Council Member-elect Ann Kitchen ranks affordability, transportation and growth management as her top citywide issues this year, she believes that the new Council should start by streamlining its legislative process. “My first priority is to change…
Austin • By Tyler Whitson • Jan 6, 2015
Ethics complaint against APD Chief moves forward
An ethics complaint against Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo is moving forward. The complaint, which was filed by Jermaine A. Hopkins, alleges that Acevedo failed to file a public financial disclosure statement for 2012 by the April 2013 deadline, as…
Austin • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jan 6, 2015
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Renteria is ready to work on issues in District 3
District 3 City Council Member Sabino “Pio” Renteria came out of a crowded field of about a dozen candidates and won a runoff over his sister, Susana Almanza, to represent the central-east district with a majority of Hispanic constituents. Following…
Austin • By Mark Richardson • Jan 5, 2015
Casar looks forward to work on new Council
Much has been made of the fact that District 4’s Greg Casar is the youngest person ever elected to Austin City Council. But despite his age, he is already a familiar face at City Hall. Before he ran for Council,…
Austin • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jan 5, 2015
Austin Monitor Radio: Council Member Kathie Tovo
Your Monitor team is catching up on a couple of radio show posts. Here, Austin City Council Member (and Member-elect) Kathie Tovo shares thoughts on the next Austin City Council. Posted below:
Austin • By Michael Kanin • Jan 4, 2015
Houston plans to be strong advocate for District 1
District 1 Council Member-elect Ora Houston says that while her new office will be downtown at City Hall, she does not plan to become a stranger back in her Northeast Austin district. “One of the things I have found is…
Austin • By Mark Richardson • Jan 2, 2015
Garza eager to tackle big issues at City Hall
In November, Delia Garza was one of the few City Council members elected outright. In addition to being the first person to represent District 2, Garza is also the first Latina to be elected to the Austin City Council. Last…
Austin • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jan 2, 2015
2014: An Austin Monitor review
This past year was a dynamic one in Austin, and though the future promises to be just as interesting, at the close of 2014 we invite you to take a trip back over the past 12 months. Though a lot…
