⚪️
Quote of the Day
“The rainy day is now. Many of the amendments I have put forth are because organizations are losing federal funding, and to think that we’re talking about where our reserve policy is three, four years from now, as a point of contention, to me, is just wild.”
— Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, from Council settles on tax rate election, with more amendments to come.
⚪️
Council settles on tax rate election, with more amendments to come
From Lina Fisher:
After a marathon public comment session yesterday that lasted from 10am till 10pm, Council passed a 5-cent tax rate election (TRE) on top of the base budget, with more discussion to come today.
Speakers were split between homeowners admonishing Council for past spending – and those specifically peeved at Council Member Mike Siegel’s proposal to cut spending to basic municipal services like public safety, even if a TRE should not pass – and those nobly pledging to advocate to their neighbors the urgency of ponying up $20 or so in property taxes each month in the face of draconian federal funding cuts.
Austin will lose $32 million for solar power projects after federal funding cuts
From Mose Buchele, KUT News:
Austin Energy stands to lose $32 million for solar power projects for low-income people. The loss comes after the Trump administration announced plans to cancel a Biden era clean energy program called “Solar for All.”
According to the utility, the funds would have helped 2,500 residential low-income homes and 25 multifamily buildings and community centers receive free solar energy and battery storage installations.
⚪️
Does your business (or one you admire) deserve the spotlight? This is your chance to make it happen! 🏆
The Greater Austin Business Awards (GABA) is the largest and most prestigious business event in our region, and nominations for the 2025 ceremony are now open.
Celebrate companies, like yours, across Central Texas who are making a difference whether through leadership, tech innovation, workplace excellence, or community impact.
It costs $0 and less than 30 minutes to apply. Self-nominations are encouraged. And, you don’t need to be an Austin Chamber member to participate!
Submit your nominations here: https://my.reviewr.com/s2/site/GABA_2025
Winners will be recognized at the 2025 GABA event on November 19th at the JW Marriott Austin.
⚪️
Judges Hill home poised for property tax break in exchange for landmark zoning
From Kali Bramble:
Another 20th century home just north of downtown is poised to join Austin’s ranks of landmarked residences, with Historic Landmark Commissioners voting last week to initiate the site’s historic zoning.
The San Gabriel Street home was built in 1927 by the prolific Edwin Kreisle, whose architectural legacy remains on display at sites like Fulmore Middle School, the Lions Club Golf Course clubhouse, downtown’s remodeled Scarborough Building, and numerous early 20th century fire stations across the city. A popular figure among the well-to-do families of Austin, Kreisle crafted the home’s impressive facade in a Colonial Georgian Revival style befitting of the Honorable Ireland Graves, a district Judge whom it was commissioned.
Now, granted the case sails successfully through Council, new owners and entertainment industry power couple Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Shana Feste will enjoy an estimated $14,135 in annual property tax savings in exchange for its stewardship.
⚪️
Elsewhere in the News
KUT has a comprehensive report on how to figure out your property’s flooding risk, which you can check out here.
After a bunch of rain, LCRA has new projections for the lake that sees a fuller future than in recent history.
Community Impact reports that a rogue billboard has nearby residents up in arms.
⚪️
Austin Monitor | Make a Donation | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Copyright © 2025 Austin Monitor, All rights reserved.