Austin

Austin

Outgoing City Council members honored for their service amidst unique challenges and a politically divided environment in Austin.

Austin has secured $6.75 million to keep the Marshalling Yard shelter open indefinitely, funding is sought for a sustainable solution.

City Council has made significant strides in housing affordability in Austin in 2024.

Preservationists achieved a significant victory in zoning the historic Eisenbeiser building against demolition, highlighting community engagement and resilience.

Incoming Council Member Mike Siegel aims to make significant impacts on climate resilience, housing, workers' rights, and public safety reform.

The City Council's actions reflect a strong commitment to police recruitment issues and pro-development housing initiatives, despite public pushback.

The draft strategic plan aims to enhance services for people and animals in Austin.

The Bond Election Advisory Task Force may propose a climate change bond without community input by early 2025, risking vital public engagement.

Elon Musk is working towards establishing a company town named Starbase in Texas, a novel and ambitious project in modern industry.

The golden-cheeked warbler may be downlisted from endangered to threatened, but the process will take time.

Texas may lose over $17.8 million in food assistance if they do not participate in the Summer EBT program.

Purchasing power of a $100,000 salary varies significantly across Texas metros, with Austin having a notably higher adjustment than many other areas.

Texas has eliminated mandatory vehicle safety inspections for most drivers, though emissions tests remain in select counties to meet federal air quality standards.

Austin's light-rail project is advancing with a detailed report outlining environmental impacts and station locations crucial for federal funding.

Austin Resource Recovery aims for 40% waste diversion in FY 2025, showing progress in waste management compared to previous year.

Austin's Public Health Committee endorses a $350 million plan to tackle homelessness, focusing on sustainable investments and immediate shelter enhancement.

Austin's drinking water shows minimal traces of dangerous PFAS due to effective environmental protection measures.

Regular testing under federal guidelines ensures public health safety against contaminants.

The initiative at Givens Park aims to reduce crime and beautify the area through community involvement and data-driven strategies.

Public health advocates in Austin seek increased heat mitigation resources in the 2025 city budget based on a new Heat Resilience Playbook.

Neighbors oppose the proposal to rezone Cherrylawn Circle from residential to mixed-use, citing numerous concerns over infrastructure and public safety.

The recent changes to disannexation laws in Texas have led to complexities for property owners wanting to navigate their land's jurisdiction and local governance.

The recent changes to the Micromobility Program have streamlined operations, reduced vendor licenses, and positively impacted city staff efficiency despite slight decreases in ridership.

The Urban Transportation Commission supports the pedestrian-centric redesign of Congress Avenue, significantly reducing vehicle traffic.

CapMetro is transitioning to a tap-to-pay fare system to improve convenience for transit users.

The HOME initiative in Austin aims to boost housing supply by allowing multi-unit developments on single-family lots, with moderate success so far.

Proposal to allow commercial uses in residential zones aims to enhance neighborhood accessibility and promote walkability for residents without cars.

The analysis shows density bonus programs have mixed results in delivering affordable housing and highlight significant regional disparities.

Council Member José Velásquez focuses on affordability, accessibility, and proactivity in local governance, emphasizing community engagement and communication as fundamental principles.

Lost Creek residents are suing Austin over wrongful property tax bills after their disannexation, claiming tax obligations violate their rights.

The Austin Tourism Public Improvement District will generate $7 million annually from hotel fees to support homelessness services and related initiatives.

The Convention Center expansion includes a $600 million budget and proposals for extended construction hours.

ICON is expanding its 3D printed housing initiative to include 100 new homes for the chronically homeless in Austin.

Volunteer-led homelessness count in Austin highlights data collection challenges amid rising homelessness rates.

Point-in-time count is essential for funding and understanding the local homeless population.

Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard is dedicated to affordable housing, successfully securing funding and contracts for multiple housing projects to combat homelessness.

Travis County Commissioner Jeff Travillion advocates for integrating public services to resolve interconnected challenges facing East Austinites.

Travis County is enhancing mental health care and overdose prevention, seeing substantial progress with new initiatives.

Water scarcity poses the biggest threat to Austin's economy, according to Commissioner Brigid Shea, highlighting the urgency for effective water conservation.

Austin-area homeowners can expect an average property tax increase of $1,123 this year—an 11% rise, the largest since 2014.

Texas housing market boomed during the pandemic, but prices are now declining due to increased inventory and market stabilization.

Leslie Pool prioritized her City Council role to drive essential housing reforms in Austin post-Covid, instead of pursuing the tax assessor-collector position.

A Vallejo man was sentenced to 50 years to life for killing his girlfriend, reflecting the issue of domestic violence.

Troy Lamar Austin was sentenced to 50 years to life for the first-degree murder of his girlfriend, Samantha Rhone, during a domestic violence incident.