Tag Archives: Downtown Commission

Downtown Commissioners weigh in on Sixth Street plan

Hours after the announcement that Austin will be opening Sixth Street to vehicular traffic on weekend nights, the Downtown Commission had a chance to weigh in. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis and APD Lieutenant Christopher Juusola, who is the downtown…

Public Safety • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jan 17, 2025

Downtown Commission questions scope, cost of core transportation plan

The city has identified improvements to several east-west streets through downtown as priority projects in a new plan to address mobility in the area. Last month, the Downtown Commission got the first look at portions of the Austin Core Transportation…

City Council • By Chad Swiatecki • Nov 7, 2024

Police, state ready to intervene on after-hours bars operating downtown

The Austin Police Department may soon take steps to punish downtown bars and nightclubs identified recently as potentially violating state liquor laws by operating and selling drinks after hours. At the latest meeting of the Downtown Commission, talk turned to…

Police • By Chad Swiatecki • Sep 23, 2024

Downtown Commission gets preview of next chapter for John Henry Faulk Building and Austin History Center

With the Austin History Center “busting at the seams” with, well, history, city library officials have been preparing the John Henry Faulk Building next door to house the History Center’s vast collection of archives. Both the History Center and the…

Planning • By Amy Smith • Aug 23, 2024

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Downtown Commission wants updated downtown plan draft in six months; Council vote next summer

The Downtown Commission wants the city to approve an updated version of the Downtown Austin Plan by next summer, with a draft document expected early next year to allow the commission to make needed budget recommendations next spring. At a…

Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 9, 2024

Across Austin, Street Impact Fees are being collected but not yet spent

Though none of the money has been spent, two years of collecting Street Impact Fees has netted a potential $17 million in roadway capacity projects for Austin roads. Curious members of the Downtown Commission got an update on the city’s…

Roads • By Elizabeth Pagano • May 29, 2024

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Downtown Commission seeks funding for new anti-graffiti department

Sick of seeing your neighborhood sidewalks, street signs and parks defaced but unsure where to turn? Austin’s Downtown Commission is here to help, with plans to create a new Department of Nuisance Abatement to tackle the city’s graffiti problem. Laid…

Austin • By Kali Bramble • Apr 29, 2024

Downtown Commission suggests tweaks to 'agent of change' noise requirements

The Downtown Commission wants the city to take a more proactive role in a proposed new measure that seeks to address friction over noise levels between new residential developments and existing music venues. Last week’s meeting included a presentation on…

Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 23, 2024

Tourism Commission pushes Council for more equitable funding for arts groups, districts

Using Hotel Occupancy Tax dollars or General Fund budget allocations, the Tourism Commission wants the city to fund cultural districts and local arts groups that have historically been left out of consideration for ongoing city support. At its most recent…

City Council • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 12, 2024

Downtown Commission revisits funding bid for anti-graffiti policy

Downtown Commissioners are once again asking City Council to address Austin’s ongoing battle against vandalism, with the hope of seeing funding for a dedicated anti-graffiti task force on the budget this August. The proposal dates back to March of last…

Austin • By Kali Bramble • Mar 28, 2024

Downtown Commission hears SXSW safety preparedness report

No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios turning large public events into devastating havoc, but such is the business of planning for major festivals like South by Southwest. Lessons learned from past events – the 2020 pandemic, the 2014…

Austin • By Amy Smith • Feb 23, 2024

Downtown Commission members suggest city pursue legal action against Union Pacific Railroad

Members of the Downtown Commission showed support for the city possibly using legal action including eminent domain against Union Pacific Railroad to acquire property eyed for improvements near the Seaholm District. This month’s meeting included a presentation on the improvements…

Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Jan 31, 2024