Newsletter Signup
The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.
-
-
Most Popular Stories
- U.S. accuses six landlords of rent price fixing. See which apartments they own in Austin.
- Objections arise over Project Connect’s plan to use parkland
- Austin is increasing security at city parks and greenbelts following string of car break-ins
- Advocates urge immigrants in Austin to plan – but not panic – over new Trump orders
- Documentary film highlights the history of an 1870s-era home and the story of Clarksville
-
-
-
Discover News By District
-
-
-
The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.
Travis County
Travis County approves final application for public defender's office
On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court gave final approval to an application for state funding to set up a public defender’s office. While there are a couple of details that the court hopes to nail down in the coming…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • Jul 31, 2019
Travis County eyes hotel tax to renovate expo center
The Travis County Commissioners Court made a move Tuesday that could put it in direct competition with the city of Austin for millions of dollars of future revenue from hotel stays. The three commissioners present voted unanimously to ask county…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • Jul 26, 2019
Despite property tax limits, Travis County remains committed to public defender's office
The Travis County Commissioners Court took another step Tuesday toward creating the county’s first public defender’s office. The court voted 4-1 to provide additional information to a state agency that is considering providing a multimillion-dollar grant to the county to…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • Jul 17, 2019
County looks at increasing minimum wage
Generally, the city of Austin and Travis County view each other as partners, not competitors. However, when it comes to attracting and retaining talented employees, the two can’t help but compete. That’s why the Travis County Human Resources Department periodically…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • Jun 6, 2019
Travis County to establish first 'strategic plan'
The Travis County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to begin formulating a long-range strategic plan to guide county policies and budgeting practices for years to come. The executives in charge of the county’s eight major departments have put in place strategic…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • May 23, 2019
Many parents at risk of losing their children look to Travis County's Office of Parental Representation
Low-income criminal defendants aren’t the only people Travis County is required to provide with legal representation. Parents at risk of losing custody of their children are also afforded assistance at no cost from the county Office of Parental Representation. OPR,…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • May 17, 2019
Subscribe to our newsletter
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
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
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,…
