In November, Mayor Steve Adler announced the formation of a group of local leaders tasked with suggesting city policy that could begin to ensure equity throughout the city. On Tuesday, the Mayor’s Task Force on Institutional Racism and Systemic Equities published its nearly 70-page final report. Co-chaired by Austin Independent School District Superintendent Paul Cruz […]
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Posted inCity Council
Troxclair’s legislative speeches criticized
During a legislative briefing at Tuesday’s City Council work session, Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo criticized Council Member Ellen Troxclair for testifying against the city’s position on three hot topics at the Texas Legislature. “I need to express my grave disappointment that a member of this body would go to the Legislature and ask that […]
Posted inLocal Government
Bastrop resident claims open meetings breach
After years of litigation and hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars spent on attorneys fees, the case involving the Pine Forest development in Bastrop County took a startling turn this week. Paul Burt, a Pine Forest homeowner, filed suit against the city of Bastrop alleging that its City Council violated the Texas Open Meetings Act […]
Posted inPolice
Safety commissioners voice concerns about forensic officer’s firing
Slowly but surely, reported Austin Police Department officials at a recent meeting of the Public Safety Commission, the city of Austin is reducing its backlog of DNA evidence. The total backlog has dropped from roughly 4,500 batches in June to 2,535 now, reported Assistant Chief Troy Gay. That’s made up of 1,686 sexual assault kits, […]
Posted inHousing
Austin plan sets goals for more affordable housing. But where should it go?
City Council is set to vote this week on whether to adopt the city’s first-ever housing plan. The plan aims to address Austin’s growing affordability crisis by setting goals for new housing production. But apart from encouraging more affordable housing, there’s also the question of where exactly it should go. The Strategic Housing Plan sets […]