Mayor Kirk Watson is recommending a delay on new short-term rental regulations, pending action at the state Legislature on the topic. “In my view, we are not ready to make some of the key decisions and won’t be by Thursday. For me, I want us to be in consistent dialogue with leaders at the Capitol regarding the best approaches to addressing regulation of STRs. Additionally, I would like to see the City moving on licensing improvements and making the cost more in line with peer cities before instituting a new regulatory scheme. And, there are legal concerns that I would like answered,” wrote Watson in a post on the City Council Message Board. To that end, he recommends that Council move forward with a vote to move STR regulations from the Land Development Code with changes to the actual policy on hold for the meantime, leaving current regulations in place while details are worked out with the state. As for the related item on Hotel Occupancy Tax collection, Watson was agnostic and open to moving forward or pushing for a delay on Thursday.

Along with new regulations that will make it illegal to park in bike lanes, block an electric vehicle charging station or block special-event rights of way, the city will also be increasing parking fines. Starting March 1, parking in an intersection, parking within 30 feet of a stop sign and nonpayment in metered spaces will earn scofflaws a fine of $75. In terms of the new violations, over the next three months, the city will work on educating the public and will distribute only educational materials and warnings when violations take place.

On Thursday, City Council will consider changes to the city’s short-term rental ordinance, which regulates the temporary rental of homes in the city. The changes, which have already been through the Planning Commission, aim to bring STRs into compliance by making the licensing process easier and enforcement of nonlicensed properties effective. Council Member Mike Siegel posted on the City Council Message Board that he will be bringing forward an amendment that would “cap the percentage of units that can be used for short-term rentals at multifamily residential properties at one STR, or 3% of total units, whichever is greater.” A cap of 25 percent for larger properties with four or more units had previously been considered. “The rationale for this amendment is to prevent displacement of renters at multifamily properties. In particular, my concern, shared by advocates for Austin tenants, is that proliferation of STRs at multifamily properties will lead to rising rents and increased economic pressure on working Austinites,” Siegel wrote. “This amendment is consistent with the proposed findings of fact in support of the STR ordinance … including proposed finding of fact #5: ‘when housing units are utilized solely as STRs, those housing units are no longer available as long-term housing for residents, which can impact housing affordability, neighborhood dynamics, and the quiet enjoyment of one’s home.'”

Matt Mackowiak, who has served as chair of the Travis County Republican Party since 2017, has announced he is stepping down from that post immediately. In a news release, Mackowiak said, “There is a season for everything, and this past weekend my wife Amy and I decided that our most important goals are starting a family and creating financial security. These wonderful opportunities deserve my complete focus and so as we begin a new year, I believe it is a good time for a transition to new leadership at TCRP.” He said the county party raised and spent $250,000 in the 2024 calendar year.

Last spring, Mackowiak threw his hat in the ring to lead the Texas Republican Party, but lost to Abraham George, the right-wing former chair of the Collin County GOP. In fact, Mackowiak endorsed all the other candidates in the race, while specifically naming George as the one person he did not want to see elected. George won that election.

In addition to being TCRP chair, Mackowiak successfully worked to reinstate Austin’s camping ban as co-chair of Save Austin Now. He told the Austin Monitor he would continue as co-chair and noted that his co-chair is Steven Brown, a Democrat. The organization is currently involved in a lawsuit over the city’s enforcement of that ban. The group was not successful in a 2021 attempt to increase the ranks of Austin’s police department.

This weekend is a celebration of the 15th anniversary of the historical museum honoring Susanna Dickinson, one of the few survivors of the Battle of the Alamo and a messenger after its fall. A family-friendly celebration will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, at the Susanna Dickinson Museum, 411 East 5th St., with live music and activities focused on Texas history. “The event will honor Susanna Dickinson’s legacy and the stories of Texan women throughout history,” according to a news release from the city. “Visitors can step back in time at an Old West photo booth and spend time at a craft station where attendees can create mini fabric flags inspired by the remarkable women who created historic Texas flags and the ‘Descendants of the Alamo’ quilt.” For more event details, visit the museum website.

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) is seeking public input on its Regional Safety Action Plan, a comprehensive effort to enhance roadway safety across Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Travis and Williamson counties. The plan aims to address traffic safety concerns and develop strategies to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities in the region. Residents can share their feedback through Friday, March 14, by participating in an online open house and attending any of the seven upcoming public engagement events. Information on these events and links to related materials are available online. In addition to in-person events, CAMPO is offering an online survey where community members can provide input on roadway safety issues and review key elements of the plan. The survey is available at campo-rsap.com.

City Council is accepting applications for the five-member Municipal Civil Service Commission, which oversees appeals of disciplinary actions for covered city employees. The open position will fill an unexpired term through May 2027, with potential consideration for a full three-year term through May 2028. Commissioners typically commit 20 hours per month to their duties in the volunteer position, with hearings scheduled twice per month and lasting a full business day. To qualify, applicants must be:

• A city of Austin resident
• A qualified voter of the city
• Preferably experienced in human resources, labor relations or labor/employment law

Ineligible applicants include current city of Austin employees and those required to register as lobbyists under city code. Interested candidates can apply online through the city of Austin Boards and Commissions portal. Applications remain open until the positions are filled, and selected candidates may be interviewed by the City Council Audit & Finance Committee. For more information on the Municipal Civil Service Commission, visit the city’s website.

The Red River Cultural District has named Nicole Klepadlo as its executive director, solidifying her leadership after serving in the role on an interim basis since 2022. Klepadlo, who played a key role in establishing the district in 2013 while working for the city of Austin, brings more than a decade of experience in community development and economic planning. Over the past year, Klepadlo led efforts to secure a multiyear city contract providing sustainable funding for the district, which contains more than 40 businesses including live music venues, bars, restaurants and hotels. “As Downtown Austin undergoes dramatic transformation, our mission to preserve and nurture the city’s vibrant cultural heritage and music economy is absolutely critical,” Klepadlo said in a statement. “We’ve laid a strong foundation, and I’m energized to lead the Red River Cultural District forward.” Jon-Erik Garcia, president of the Red River Cultural District’s board and co-owner of Barbarella and Swan Dive, praised Klepadlo’s leadership, citing her deep commitment to small business owners and the district’s longterm sustainability.

Austin’s city manager is hosting a series of town hall meetings under the banner “Your Budget, Your Priorities: Community Conversations with T.C. Broadnax,” with the intent to gather community input on city budget priorities before Broadnax develops his first budget for Austin. Broadnax will present his proposed budget to City Council in mid-July, when it will go through review and changes before City Council adopts it in mid-August.

Town hall dates, times and locations:

• 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24 – McNeil High School, 5720 McNeil Drive
• 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5 – South Austin Recreation Center, 1100 Cumberland Road
• 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 24 – Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road
• 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29 – Learning and Research Center, 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Suite 500
• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 3 – Northwest Recreation Center, 2913 Northland Drive

Interpretation services for American Sign Language and Spanish are available, and services for other languages can be requested by calling 311 or 512-974-2000 no later than 72 hours before the town hall. Beyond the town halls, feedback can be submitted at austintexas.gov/budget.

On Wednesday, the Hearst Corp. announced it has agreed to acquire the Austin American-Statesman from Gannett Co. Inc. The acquisition, expected to finalize by March 31, includes the Statesman‘s community publications – Bastrop Advertiser, Lake Travis View, Pflugerville Pflag and Round Rock Leader – as well as digital platforms like Austin360 and Hookem.com. The Hearst Corp., which is privately held, also owns the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News, along with a variety of other publications and television assets. The Austin Business Journal notes that the sale comes a few months after the paper’s management finalized a two-year contract with the union representing its newsroom, following several years of negotiation and staff turnover. Founded in 1871, the Statesman has undergone multiple ownership changes in recent years, with its business and editorial operations moved to a business park in Southeast Austin to allow for the redevelopment of its former location downtown on property along Lady Bird Lake.

The Parks and Recreation Department has significantly reduced its cost estimate for the proposed pocket park at Spicewood Springs Road and Old Lampasas Trail, bringing it down from an initial $2.8 million to approximately $982,800. The revision follows a detailed evaluation of the site’s acreage, proximity to major roadways and the Bull Creek Greenbelt, neighborhood access and the appropriate scale of planned amenities. The proposed park, outlined in City Council Resolution No. 20240829-140, would include a pavilion, playground, community garden, fenced dog park, basketball and pickleball courts, plus an extensive trail network. Infrastructure improvements such as parking, bike racks and lighting are also planned. The cost decrease reflects a reassessment of the scale of amenities, with adjustments made to ensure feasibility within the available space and budget constraints. The new estimate does not include ongoing maintenance costs, which would need to be considered separately. If the project moves forward, PARD will engage the community to finalize the design and development plan.

The Downtown Austin Alliance will host its next Issues & Eggs breakfast event, focusing on the future of East Sixth Street, at 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, at St. David’s Episcopal Church. The discussion will center on the ongoing revitalization efforts of the entertainment district, addressing topics such as safety, economic development and preservation. Panelists for the discussion include: Eddie Garcia, assistant city manager; Paul Bodenman, senior vice president of Stream Realty; and Blake Thompson, co-founder of State Street Properties. They will share insights and updates on the push to turn East Sixth Street into a more vibrant and secure area. Stream Realty Partners has acquired over 30 properties in the district, initiating renovations to transform the area from a nightlife-centric scene into an all-day destination. Plans include introducing new restaurants, retail spaces and mixed-use developments, such as the six-story, 232-unit Grant Building project approved in July 2024. Also, the city recently opted toward widening sidewalks and modifying traffic patterns to enhance pedestrian safety and overall accessibility.

This date of the breakfast has been corrected.