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: 1. RECEIVE COMMENTS REGARDING THE APPLICATION FOR A TEXAS MASS GATHERING ACT PERMIT UNDER […]
Public Safety
Posted inPublic Safety, Transportation
Council OKs TNC regulations on first reading
Early Friday morning, Transportation Network Companies such as Lyft and Uber moved one step closer to operating legally on Austin streets as part of a temporary pilot program, provided they enter into an agreement with the city and follow a set of predetermined regulations. City Council voted 6-1 to approve an ordinance on first reading, […]
Posted inElections, Public Safety
Firefighters form new PAC to support candidates
The Austin Firefighters Local 975 has formed a special political action committee to support eight candidates running for City Council on the November ballot. Firefighters president Bob Nicks told the Monitor that the group had raised $200,000 through membership dues and expects to get another $25,000 from the international firefighters union. Nicks said the new […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics, Public Safety
Austin Interfaith grills mayoral candidates on affordability
Only three of the eight candidates in the running for mayor participated in a question-and-answer session hosted by Austin Interfaith on Tuesday. And rather than give candidates a forum to lay out their individual platforms, Austin Interfaith directed four specific questions to them about the group’s priorities, touching on education, immigration, affordable homes and employment. […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Commission studies hidden costs of SXSW
One day after the news that the 2014 South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Festival generated $315 million for the city, Public Safety Commissioners heard about the financial and staffing impacts that special events place on City of Austin departments. Specifically, a report presented to commissioners stated that city departments spent $4.265 million in […]
Posted inLocal Government, Public Safety
SXSW reports $315M economic impact on Austin
It probably comes as no surprise to anyone who has lived in Austin for any length of time, but the South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Festival is bigger than ever. That goes for the festival’s economic impact as well, which was $315 million last year, according to an economic benefit study released by […]
Posted inPublic Safety
SXSW after-action report promises changes
Big changes could be coming to the city’s South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Festival, according to a report released by the city Thursday. The report, compiled at the behest of City Council members in the wake of the March 2014 fatal traffic accident, offers more than 30 specific changes centered around the way in […]
Posted inPublic Safety
APD faces tough questions at community forum
During an emotionally charged public forum on police accountability, Austin Police Department Chief Art Acevedo defended the department against accusations that officers unfairly target minorities. The Travis County Democratic Party hosted Tuesday’s forum at the North Door after it passed a resolution calling for action for APD to “address systemic issues surrounding racial profiling, excessive […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Police claim no disparities in marijuana arrests
Austin police say African-Americans are not unfairly targeted by police for marijuana offenses, despite community claims to the contrary. The Austin Human Rights Commission met last week to hear a presentation from Assistant Police Chief Brian Manley about statistics related to citations for marijuana, as opposed to arrests. Manley said of all the Austin Police […]
Posted inLocal Politics, Public Safety
Acevedo predicts changes to deportation program
Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo told the Monitor on Thursday that he believes the focus of the federal Secure Communities Program could change by the end of 2014. Speaking after he briefed the Council on a proposed new city booking facility, Acevedo added to comments he made to Council members. “What’s happening right now is that the […]
Posted inPublic Safety
County OKs new criminal defense program
The Travis County Commissioners Court has appointed a nonprofit corporation to manage a new program created to provide criminal defense for indigent Travis County residents, starting Jan. 1 of next year. The program will replace the current system of court-appointed and paid defense attorneys. Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint the Capital Area Private Defender […]
Posted inLocal Politics, Public Safety
Council gets update on Rundberg Project
The work of restoring the Rundberg neighborhood is well underway. A briefing on the Restore Rundberg Project’s progress at City Council’s Tuesday work session prompted at least one Council member to ask: Could it be better? The Restore Rundberg Project is a result of a $1 million, three-year grant to fund innovative solutions for areas […]