Austin has fallen behind cities of a similar size when it comes to caring for its elders. It’s no longer in AARP’s top 10 cities to live in for older adults as of 2022. In fact, last year, it didn’t even make the top 25. That might not be top of mind, as the median […]
Austin City Council
The Austin City Council is the body with legislative purview over the City of Austin. It offers policy direction, while the office of the City Manager implements administrative actions based on those policies. Until 2015, the body contained seven members, including the city’s Mayor, all elected at-large. In 2012, City of Austin residents voted to change that system and as of 2015, 10 members of the Council are elected based on geographic districts. The Mayor continues to be elected at-large.
Posted inCity Council
Council OKs purchase of site for new homeless navigation center
City Council voted 8–3 on Thursday to purchase a commercial property on South Interstate 35 to serve as the city’s first housing navigation center for people experiencing homelessness, following hours of debate and neighborhood opposition. The votes against the purchase came from Council members Marc Duchen, Zo Qadri, and José Velásquez. The 1.39-acre site at […]
Posted inPlanning
Council looks to serve up more neighborhood coffee shops
Coffee and cafes are on the City Council menu this week. This Thursday’s meeting will include a resolution that directs city staff to study how small hospitality businesses can open in residential neighborhoods more easily. The proposal from District 5 Council Member Ryan Alter asks the city manager to conduct review of existing city codes […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions
Proposition Q campaigns heat up on both sides
In an expensive city like Austin, it’s a tough time to raise property taxes — especially on top of rising gas bills and a county tax hike to fund disaster relief for the July floods. Yet that is what the City is asking the voters to approve this November in order to help make up […]
Posted inParks
Parks Board wrestles with proposed criteria for ‘legacy’ concessions
How many years should it take for a concession in city parks to gain legacy status? City staff are proposing 30 years, but some Parks and Recreation Board members say that number is too high. After deliberating whether to recommend lowering the threshold, the board ultimately voted to ask City Council to weigh how women […]
Posted inEMS
Public safety agencies team up to help those in crisis
The city of Austin will begin a pilot program next month that will deploy a multi – disciplinary team to deal with mental health related problems within the downtown area. The team will include professionals from Austin, Travis County EMS, the Austin Police Department (APD) and Integral Care. As Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mark Escott […]
Posted inCity Council
City Council adopts changes for Austin Animal Center and Austin Pets Alive!
Austin City Council has adopted changes to the city ordinance related to spaying cats and dogs at the Austin Animal Shelter, including an amendment that proved controversial. Under the changed ordinance, the city will notify Austin Pets Alive! (APA) about animals that are lactating so that APA can pick up lactating animals within three hours […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Austin drops AI surveillance cameras from consideration as residents raise privacy concerns
The city of Austin is no longer considering using artificial intelligence to help catch people breaking into cars and committing other crimes at parks and greenbelts, at least for the time being. Dozens of incidents, including car break-ins and stolen valuables, are reported at popular green spaces each year. Earlier this year, the city stepped […]
Posted inUncategorized
Planning Commission asks Council to defend the HOME initiative
Austin’s HOME Initiative was supposed to make it easy for homeowners, landlords and developers to build more units per lot, and thus help swell the city’s supply of affordable housing. In a letter to Ctiy Council, the Planning Commission says it has “serious concerns” that HOME may not be delivering as many homes as it […]
Posted inCity Council
Council OKs new rules for short-term rentals
City Council voted Thursday to approve a series of regulations for short-term rental properties, taking the next step in advancing changes that were kicked off by a February vote. The resolution, which collected several amendments and had others withdrawn or voted down, was approved 10-0, with Council Member Marc Duchen abstaining. The new ordinance updates […]
Posted inHousing
Council to consider creating fund to save older, affordable apartments
The city of Austin may soon launch a public-private fund to help preserve older apartment complexes at risk of demolition, drawing on philanthropic, financial and corporate contributions. The idea is to give property owners access to capital for repairs and upgrades without forcing them to raise rents to cover the costs. On Thursday, City Council […]
Posted inCity Council
Council to vote on stricter licensing, platform rules for short-term rentals
City Council on Thursday will consider the next steps in short-term rental regulations, which were initiated by a February vote. The proposed ordinance would impose new licensing and eligibility standards, add enforcement mechanisms and expand regulatory obligations for platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. If approved, the new rules will take effect in two stages, with […]