Whispers

Students in grades 6-12 are invited to enter the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department’s 2025 flood safety video contest. Participants will create a 30-second public service announcement on the message “Turn around, don’t drown” when encountering flooded roads. Flood safety education is critical for protecting lives during heavy rains because Austin is in Flash […]

Given the recent confirmation of two measles cases in Houston, Austin Public Health is urging residents to get vaccinated. Austin’s last confirmed measles case was in December 2019, and the Houston cases are the first in Texas since 2023. “Vaccination is our best defense against measles and other preventable diseases,” Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. […]

Public comment on a proposed MoPac South expansion between Cesar Chavez Street and Slaughter Lane ends on Tuesday, Jan. 28, as an extension granted at the end of December runs out. The plan by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority would widen the critical roadway by eight lanes in places. It has been criticized by […]

Although most members of City Council, including all the newly elected ones, had earlier indicated they wanted to be part of the Audit & Finance Committee, that has changed. As previously announced, Mayor Kirk Watson will lead the committee. Council Member Ryan Alter will serve as vice chair. Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes and Council […]

The Julia C. Butridge Gallery, within the Dougherty Arts Center on Barton Springs Road, has put out a call for artists for its 2026 gallery season. Both emerging and established artists are encouraged to apply for a chance to showcase their work in a city-owned space known for its vibrant and diverse exhibitions. “This is […]

Former City Council Member Mackenzie Kelly has transitioned into a new role as the director of governmental affairs for the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute following the conclusion of her term in office. Kelly, who represented District 6 from 2021 to 2024, began her new position on Jan. 6. She will advocate for increased mental […]

The Trail Conservancy has appointed Julie Fisher as its new CEO. Fisher brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience, having previously held roles at the Livestrong Foundation and the Andy Roddick Foundation. She holds a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. Austin Business Journal notes that Thomas recently served a managerial position […]

A new report finds Austin is one of the leading U.S. cities for high-paying jobs, with a significant number of positions offering salaries exceeding $500,000 annually. According to research from ADP, Austin’s booming tech sector, combined with its growing financial and health care industries, has contributed to a surge in lucrative employment opportunities. In total, […]

Opportunity Austin, in collaboration with Con Mi Madre and Dress for Success Austin, will host the HER Power Summit from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Blvd. The event aims to provide 100 women from diverse backgrounds with opportunities to connect with employers and explore career development options. The agenda […]

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for federal transportation funding last week. Watson spoke to the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Transportation Standing Committee to stress the importance of focusing on local infrastructure. Fuentes brought a similar focus to the Congressional House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, […]

Landscape architect and neighborhood advocate Jean Mather passed away on Jan. 9, shortly after her 99th birthday. She is remembered as a passionate advocate for the environment and for South Austin. Mather and her husband, Bob, settled in Travis Heights in 1961. He was a professor of architecture at the University of Texas, where he […]

City administrative offices and other facilities will be closed Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Normal business hours will resume Tuesday, Jan. 21. But many city services will continue to operate as normal, including utilities payments, Austin Resource Recovery curbside collections (they will follow regular schedules) and the Parks and Recreation Department […]