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- How Trump’s federal funding freeze is beginning to affect Austin
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Local Government
More than just a toll roads agency: CTRMA touts transit, bike and walking infrastructure
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s ability to build new toll roads may be temporarily stymied by opposition from state leaders, but the agency is keeping busy with major ongoing projects. While the great majority of its spending is on…
Roads • By Jack Craver • May 15, 2019
Travis County leaders urge vigilance on flooding
Heavy rains over the past two weeks have not resulted in major residential flooding, but at least one death appears to be linked to flooding and government officials are urging residents to avoid certain waterways and to be on high…
EMS • By Jack Craver • May 14, 2019
Tax wranglers may once again sue appraisers
Once again a battle is brewing between firms seeking to help property owners lower the appraised value on their property and the Travis Appraisal Review Board. The issue boils down to scheduling of hearings with no regard for the fact…
Travis County • By Jo Clifton • May 10, 2019
Commissioners Court makes move on public defender's office
Travis County took a crucial step toward creating a public defender’s office when the Commissioners Court voted 4-1 Tuesday to submit an application for state funding to set one up. The commissioners made the move after months of debate among…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • May 8, 2019
County leaders denounce anti-lobbying proposal
In addition to imposing strict constraints on local governments’ ability to raise property tax revenue, Republicans at the state Legislature want to limit how those governments can spend their tax dollars. A number of bills have been filed this session…
Texas State Legislature • By Jack Craver • May 6, 2019
State bill no longer targets Austin's MLS deal
A Senate bill that many felt could endanger the city’s lease deal on a new soccer stadium has been amended in a way that appears to have created an exception for the roughly $250 million structure. On Thursday, State Sen.…
Texas State Legislature • By Chad Swiatecki • May 3, 2019
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Travis County braces for lean times
Travis County commissioners spent a good chunk of Tuesday morning fuming over state legislation targeting local control, notably a proposal that will sharply limit the ability of local governments to raise property tax revenue. A bill recently approved by the…
Texas State Legislature • By Jack Craver • Apr 25, 2019
Revenue caps loom over discussion of public defender's office
Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt warmly welcomed a proposal to establish a county public defender’s office, saying it was imperative that Travis County join the vast majority of major urban jurisdictions in providing attorneys to represent criminal defendants who can’t…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • Apr 24, 2019
Austinites testify for, against Precourt bill
Dave Greeley, president of Precourt Sports Ventures, told a Senate committee Tuesday night that SB 1771 “would jeopardize the viability” of Austin FC, the soccer club slated to play in the stadium his company has agreed to build at McKalla…
Texas State Legislature • By Jo Clifton • Apr 18, 2019
County considers matching Austin with $15 livable wage
Between the tax revenue ceiling regaining momentum at the state Legislature and ongoing affordability concerns, Travis County is looking for a way to increase its livable wage for county employees before the imminent property tax caps take effect. Todd Osburn,…
Travis County • By Ryan Thornton • Apr 17, 2019
Council strongly opposes property tax bills
As Speaker of the Texas House Dennis Bonnen calls the chamber to order today, Austin’s City Council will begin working its way through its regular agenda. That agenda includes a resolution adamantly rejecting House Bill 2, the property tax bill…
Texas State Legislature • By Jo Clifton • Apr 11, 2019
Proposed labor rule would mean gig economy workers in Texas can't get unemployment benefits
The state’s labor regulator will meet this morning for a final vote on a controversial new rule on gig economy workers that opponents say will have far-reaching implications for workers going forward. The proposed rule from the Texas Workforce Commission…
