The Austin City Council will hold two special called meetings this week, one Thursday following the Council Committee on Austin Energy, and one Friday at 1p.m. Thursday’s meeting includes consideration of whether to allow the utility to transfer $30 million from its operating fund to its strategic reserve fund. Staff has requested the action in […]
Austin City Council November 2014 Elections
The November 2014 Austin City Council elections marked a shift from an all-at-large City Council to one elected based mostly on geographic districts. The city’s Mayor remains elected at-large.
Posted inElections, Local Politics, Uncategorized
Property tax relief hot topic at mayoral forum
During the South Austin Democrats‘ mayoral candidate forum Tuesday night, candidate Steve Adler defended his position in support of a citywide 20 percent homestead tax exemption. Fellow mayoral candidates Mike Martinez and Sheryl Cole have blasted Adler’s flat 20 percent homestead tax exemption proposal as an ill-advised idea, noting that a city report said it […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Austin for All coalition brings organization, candidates together
There is a brand-new coalition in Austin to go with our brand-new city government. The group, Austin for All, is a coalition that has formed in order to show “united support for policies that will improve our city.” Members described their mission: ”We envision a diverse community that is racially, socially and economically inclusive and […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Adler has a good day, but falls short of getting endorsement
Editor Jo Clifton contributed to this report. Although he did not win their endorsement, mayoral candidate Steve Adler had a good day at the Austin Environmental Democrats meeting Wednesday, coming away with 47.5 percent of the vote. His closest rival, Council Member Mike Martinez, garnered 38.8 percent and Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole came in […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Environmental Democrats hear Riley, Tovo, but make no endorsement
In front of Wednesday’s standing-room only crowd at the Austin Environmental Democrats forum, micro houses– so-called “granny flats” – proved a defining issue between Council members and District 9 candidates Kathie Tovo and Chris Riley. However, neither of them was able to secure the 60 percent majority needed to win the group’s endorsement. Both Riley […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Adler files for mayor, cites proposal for homestead tax exemption
Attorney Steve Adler announced a proposal for a sweeping change in the city’s property tax system Monday as he filed the documents necessary to get a place on the ballot for the mayoral election in November. Standing before a small crowd of supporters outside the city clerk’s office, Adler said, “This is a great city […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Austin Monitor Radio, Show 9
Monitor Publisher Mike Kanin, reporter Liz Pagano and the Austin Chronicle‘s Michael King talk Austin City Council elections. Warning: This show includes some very early (and reluctant) prognosticating. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/161102062″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Downtown, central city make up core of compact District 9
District 9, which encompasses the central core of the city, has changed as rapidly over the past decade as any other part of Austin. From stately older neighborhoods to gleaming downtown high-rises to a new urban enclave, the district embodies some of the highs, lows and extremes of the 10 new districts. The area, which […]
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Politically active District 10 the home of Austin’s establishment, and more
Of all the districts carved out of the city by the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, District 10 is the one that best represents “establishment Austin.” The area is made of up neighborhoods nestled in the spectacular hills west of downtown with names like Tarrytown, Northwest Hills, Rosedale, Jester Estates and Great Hills. And it is […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Thomas, Dealey top fund raisers in District 10 race
While candidates in less moneyed districts have to work mightily to bring in funding for their campaigns, heavy hitters in the District 10 race are raising and loaning themselves considerable war chests. The district stretches from Tarrytown to US 183, and boasts some of the highest voter turnout precincts in the city. Attorney and entrepreneur […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Flannigan, Wiley top fundraisers in District 6
District 6 is the most north, west, and right-leaning district in the city, and includes portions of Williamson County, Avery Ranch and Robinson Ranch within its borders. At the close of the first financial reporting period, Jimmy Flannigan and Jay Wiley were the fundraising leaders in the district, with one other candidate close behind and […]
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Five residents seek to represent Southwest Austin’s District 8
If you are looking for wide-open spaces and lots of nature, Council District 8 if your kind of place. The Southwest Austin district has the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country and other assets such as the Barton Creek Greenbelt, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and myriad examples of nature at its best. […]