Between the I-35 expansion, MoPac construction, and the general growing pains of the metroplex beyond its transportation infrastructure’s capacity, Travis County Judge Andy Brown has long advocated for the need for commuter rail between Austin and San Antonio. On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court took its first step towards making that a reality, approving […]
Travis County Commissioners Court
The legislative body for Travis County. It includes representatives from the four Travis County Precincts, as well as the County Judge. The County Judge serves as the chair of the Court.
Posted inPublic Safety
Austin-San Antonio region selected for climate resilience accelerator
Last week, Travis County announced that the Austin-San Antonio region has been selected for a two-year program to facilitate the region’s climate change resilience efforts. “Government boundaries may define jurisdictions, but they don’t define the lives of our residents — people don’t care who is responsible, they care that we get it done,” said Travis […]
Posted inTravis County
Travis County invests $21 million in affordable child care
County commissioners have taken their biggest step yet towards getting families tangible access to child care following a voter-approved tax increase to fund sweeping investment in that sector last November. Of the $75 million approved last year, the county has awarded $21 million in two contracts with Workforce Solutions Capital Area to provide direct scholarships […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Travis County emergency communications pilot yields promising results
After the catastrophic floods in July this year, Travis County officials told reporters that its emergency communications could have been better in terms of getting information to residents, many of whom felt abandoned and left to recover with only the help of their neighbors. Improvements to disaster communications were already in the works before the […]
Posted inBudget
Travis County signs off on Central Health’s new budget — with a tax rate increase
Travis County commissioners approved an $875 million annual budget for local public hospital district Central Health, along with an increased tax rate that local officials said was influenced by federal funding changes. Around 5% of a Travis County homeowner’s property tax bill goes to Central Health. Those taxes must support health care for low-income and […]
Posted inPublic Health
Travis County increases investment in harm reduction
One of Travis County’s most consistent investments over the last few years has been toward mitigating the opioid overdose crisis, partially funded by a national settlement with the drug companies that helped cause the crisis. In November of last year, the county invested $400,000 of those funds into harm reduction services, and on Tuesday, they […]
Posted inBudget
Proposed Travis County pay draws equity questions
During a Tuesday meeting, Travis County employees raised grievances related to staff’s presentation of possible adjustments to the county’s pay scale in the FY25-26 budget, including a “modernization” proposal that would designate employees either exempt or non-exempt. Staff says this structural change is necessary to address the county’s issues retaining talent. The difference between exempt […]
Posted inPublic Safety
As flood relief deadlines loom, Travis County response focuses on application assistance
Since the July flood disaster, Travis County has been coordinating relief efforts at Round Mountain Baptist Church. But as the summer nears its end, relief may be running out for flood survivors seeking financial assistance. The county may soon consider raising property taxes one time to assist with that relief, which some residents impacted by […]
Posted inTravis County
Nearly 200 homes in Travis County were damaged by July flooding
Nearly 200 homes in the Big Sandy Creek neighborhood in northwestern Travis County were damaged by flooding on July 5, according to a report released Monday by county officials. Of the homes affected, 71 were mobile homes and 127 were single-family houses. Travis County is offering short term housing, temporary property tax relief and waiving […]
Posted inBudget
Travis County proposes raising property taxes to pay for flood repairs
The Travis County Commissioners Court is expected to raise property taxes to pay for damage caused by the flooding on July 5. Commissioners have until Oct. 1 to decide on the 9.12% tax hike. If approved, the average Travis County homeowner can expect to pay $200 more than what they paid the previous year, according […]
Posted inTravis County
Travis County Establishes Flood Relief Fund, Volunteer Center
The tragic flooding on July 4 weekend in Central Texas has made the gutting of FEMA look even worse than it already did, throwing into high relief the unfortunate necessity of municipalities stepping up to plug the gaps in the wake of disaster. On July 15, Travis County established a new short-term relief fund and […]
Posted inPublic Health
Travis County’s Mental Health Diversion Center takes another step
Last week, Travis County kicked off the design portion of its long-awaited mental health diversion center and central intake project. The lead architectural firms, Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects, Kirksey Architecture, and Pulitzer Bogard, will work with county staff and UT’s Dell Medical School to conceptualize the physical diversion center, which will take approximately 18 months […]