Downtown Austin leaders are hoping that proposed changes in downtown routes and frequency for Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus service will increase the number of employers in the city’s core willing to offer alternative transportation plans for their employees in coming years. At a recent meeting of the city’s Downtown Commission, a pair of presentations […]
Downtown Commission
The Downtown Commission serves as a steward for the Downtown Austin Plan and advises the Austin City Council on policies and projects that impact downtown.
Posted inPlanning
Report spells out Congress Avenue’s potential transformation
The future of Congress Avenue leading up to the state Capitol could see bicycles claiming the middle of the road as cars pass on both sides. That is one configuration in the discussion for an eventual makeover of the street from Riverside Drive to 11th Street, in a bid to turn the outdated and somewhat […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Sobriety center likely won’t open until 2018
After years of planning, the downtown Austin sobriety center is still months away from opening its doors. On Wednesday night, the interim head of the nonprofit outfit that will operate the center told the Downtown Commission that the center’s future building is still waiting for its current occupant – the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office […]
Posted inThe Code
Downtown commissioners hear about live music reforms
A proposed reform that would set new parameters for live music venues and their neighbors is still on pace for a City Council vote this March following scrutiny by the Downtown Commission last week. Alex Lopez, deputy director of Austin’s Economic Development Department, trotted out the so-called “agent of change” proposal before the body on […]
Posted inDevelopment, The Code
City works to smooth out new concrete ordinance
A code amendment that promises to change how the city handles after-hours concrete installation is moving forward. The interim ordinance, passed by City Council in November, is set to expire March 31 without further Council intervention. The city held a third stakeholder meeting Feb. 11, where neighbors and construction representatives met with staff about the […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions, Courts, Development, Travis County
County pitches courthouse plan to Downtown group
Travis County officials presented plans for a proposed $291.6 million Civil and Family Courthouse to Austin’s Downtown Commission last week in an early bid to shore up city support before taking the plan to voters ahead of November’s bond election. If approved, it could mean the average county taxpayer could see an extra $41 on […]
Posted inCity Council, Development, The Code
Council sets overnight concrete pour ordinance
Following lengthy discussion and public input, City Council unanimously passed an interim ordinance Thursday that limits overnight concrete pouring in parts of downtown from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. and initiates a 60-day stakeholder process for a permanent solution. The ordinance, which will expire after 120 days, includes a grandfather clause that exempts building permits […]