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Public Safety Commission hears about legislation impacting Austin
From Jo Clifton:
Last week, members of the Public Safety Commission heard from Intergovernmental Relations Deputy Officer Rick Ramirez about bills the city helped pass and those the city opposed during the regular session of the state Legislature. Among those important to Austin and its public safety employees was one making changes to the firefighters’ pension fund. Under that legislation, more funds will be devoted to the pension fund. In addition, firefighters who join the department as of January 1, 2026, will not receive the same benefits as current members of the Fire Department.
Although they each have a rough idea of what funding cuts might impact their departments and how they will deal with that, representatives of Austin Fire, EMS and Police expressed uncertainty about how much their budgets will be reduced once Council has approved the upcoming budget.
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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.
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Great Streets looking to get greater
The Planning Department’s Urban Design Division is looking to upgrade Downtown Austin’s streetscapes and sidewalks, and they are kicking off their outreach with an open house at the Austin Central Library. The city will hold an open house this Wednesday, August 13 from noon until 2 p.m. to learn about the Great Streets program, which is almost 25 years old, and how an overhaul seeks to upgrade the safety and appearance of downtown’s pedestrian thoroughfares. Those attending the open house are invited to pop in and share their feedback about the plans in person. Those not able to attend can still share their feedback in an online survey open from August 13 through Sept. 10 and found at www.SpeakUpAustin.org/GreatStreetsUpdate.
But what does this budget mean for me?
Homeowners in Travis County that are curious about how proposed tax rates may impact their own bills can head over to TravisTaxes.com for more information from the Travis Central Appraisal District. The website allows property owners to check out proposed tax rates and how they break down according to taxing entity. In addition, the site “provides a convenient online option where taxpayers can leave feedback. In some cases, proposed tax rates incorporate decisions that Travis County voters will make in November when they vote on bonds and tax rate elections proposed by their entities,” according to a press release from TCAD, which means that property owners can check out the impact of various proposed budgets — like the one currently being considered by the city — in real time, and before any tax-rate election takes place. “Over the next few months, discussions on budgets, tax rates, bond elections, and voter approval tax rate elections could have a major impact on property tax bills. Travis County property owners can use TravisTaxes.com to see how these decisions will impact them and learn how to participate in these conversations,” said TCAD Chief Appraiser Leana Mann in a statement to the press. Anyone needing or wanting help navigating the site can register online for a webinar that will take place on August 13 at 1 p.m..
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Elsewhere in the News
As this newsletter was being written, details about the shooting at the Research Blvd. Target were still emerging. We recommend heading over to KXAN for the latest information.
KVUE reports that AISD will offer free meals to students at all of its campuses.
The Texas Newsroom brings us a handy-dandy explainer about the quorum break over at the State Legislature. Check it out here.
And a viral paintball gun shooting on the hike and bike trail gets a report by the Statesman.
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