Callout: Today’s newsletter is supported by “Austin Parks Foundation’s Party for the Parks”
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Quote of the Day
“We’re concerned about the maintenance of various plantings… There’s a lot of risk here for an eyesore and just sort of an insect-infested horror where we now have a pleasant place to walk.”
— Madeline Maxwell, from “City could use Hemphill Park as a drainage site to mitigate flooding“
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City could use Hemphill Park as a drainage site to mitigate flooding
From Amy Smith:
In a briefing before the Parks and Recreation Board, city staff said the neighborhood park location was the only feasible option to locate upper and lower detention basins after studying other alternatives. The city undertook the $2.9 million capital project following a 2015 flood event that swamped the neighborhood of old homes. Like the homes in the area and the park itself, the main storm system is also rather historic. It was built in 1928.
“Since then, the neighborhood has immensely developed, and the storm drain system has not been upgraded. ” Watershed Protection Department Engineer Kristina McLaren told the board, “That means that our existing system is significantly undersized and causes the majority of rainfall runoff to travel over land, through streets, yards and structures.”
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Today’s newsletter is supported by “Austin Parks Foundation’s Party for the Parks”
Join Austin Parks Foundation for the 11th Annual Party for the Parks, featuring Passion Pit! This beloved event is happening under the lights at ACL in Zilker Park on Wednesday, October 8th.
Partygoers will enjoy delicious dining options, libations from Austin’s premiere beverage brands, games, a live auction and an intimate concert—all while helping raise funds for our city’s nearly 400 parks, trails and green spaces. Click here to get your tickets and join the fun!
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Music Commissioners Discuss Rebuilding of Airport Music Program
Music Commissioners on Monday received an update from staff on efforts to restore consistent live music programming at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport following staffing turnover and administrative delays. Staff reported that 198 performances were held in July and 202 in August, reflecting progress toward stabilizing the program. A dedicated airport music coordinator position will soon be posted, though final steps are pending due to federal contracting requirements.
Commissioners asked questions about how musicians are selected, how long each booking lasts and whether additional performance locations can be considered. Staff said they are developing a unified artist intake form to streamline access to airport and other city-run booking opportunities, and they are compiling a historical database of nearly 17,000 past performances. Commissioners expressed support for future discussions on performance guidelines and expressed interest in reviewing criteria for participation once a new coordinator is in place.
— Chad Swiatecki
STR regulations get HOT
The Music Commission also heard a presentation from former commissioner Anne-Charlotte Patterson, who now handles communications for District 10’s Council Member Marc Duchen. Patterson discussed recent and forthcoming changes to short-term rental regulations, including the April 2025 implementation of platform-based Hotel Occupancy Tax collection. Under the new system, companies like Airbnb and VRBO now automatically collect and remit the city’s portion of hotel taxes. These funds support cultural initiatives including the Live Music Fund.
According to Patterson, a more accurate estimate of how much new revenue music programs funded by hotel occupancy tax might expect would likely be available after the end of the current fiscal year. Commissioners discussed revisiting the topic once more financial data is available and asked that future updates clarify the timeline and structure for any new programs that might increase music-related funding.
— Chad Swiatecki
Rethink live, today
Opponents of the I-35 Capital Express Central Project will finally get their day in court today for a lawsuit filed in January 2024, and Rethink35 is holding a watch party to celebrate. “We’ve deeply appreciated the incredible broad community support for the lawsuit,” says Rethink35 board member Miriam Schoenfield in a statement to the press. “To see people united for cleaner air and a better outcome than TxDOT’s harmful and wasteful highway expansion has been incredible. We’re hopeful the judge will truly hear the merits of our case.”
Though the verdict will not be announced tomorrow, it could be the conclusion of the case. Those who would like to see it all go down in real time can swing by Scholz Garden at noon on Wednesday or RSVP to the watch party for remote options.
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Elsewhere in the News
A resolution aimed at stopping (or slowing?) graffiti that has been simmering in City Hall for some time is finally headed to Council this week.
The Texas Tribune has the inside story on how (and why) Lloyd Doggett was pressured to step aside after redistricting.
In other local/national news, KUT has some facts about James Talrico, who is running for the U.S. Senate.
Council approved no-hold spaying for pregnant cats and dogs through the budget process, allowing for abortions, much to the consternation of some local rescue groups.
Austin police are taking increased reckless driving reports in Edward Rendon Sr. Park fairly seriously.
And KXAN confirms 50 more ICE agents have arrived in Austin for another round of immigration raids this week.
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