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Latest Headlines for Wednesday, May 15

As Council moves to adopt HOME 2, groups call on Council to reject it or make major changes

At Tuesday’s work session, City Council discussed proposed amendments to the Land Development Code labeled HOME 2, as well as Equitable Transit-Oriented Development, citywide compatibility standards and rules for electric vehicle charging stations. But the majority of discussion was about…

Funding freeze for I-35 expansion denied in heated CAMPO vote

An attempt to freeze funding for the Interstate 35 expansion through Central Austin until the project’s impact on air quality can be more fully assessed was easily defeated Monday in a vote by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s planning…

Animal Advisory commissioners examine threats of ‘euthanizing for space’ at city shelter

At their most recent meeting, members of the Animal Advisory Commission questioned whether the city’s new strategy for finding homes for difficult-to-place dogs is working as intended. The shelter’s urgent placement list, which was introduced in March, is designed to…

Red River music venues push Council on funding expected from February resolution

Leaders of the Red River Cultural District are pushing City Council members and staff to carry out a February resolution that was intended to secure annual funding to help planning and marketing efforts for the downtown cluster of live music…

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Featured Collection: 35 expands

Funding freeze for I-35 expansion denied in heated CAMPO vote

An attempt to freeze funding for the Interstate 35 expansion through Central Austin until the project’s impact on air quality can be more fully assessed was easily defeated Monday in a vote by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s planning…

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ACL Fest shows $499M economic impact, with $8.1M donated to parks improvements

The 2023 edition of the Austin City Limits Music Festival generated nearly half a billion dollars in economic impact for the area, according to results of an analysis released Monday. The fest’s $499.9 million in financial activity represented a 12…

Development and climate change continue to threaten Balcones Canyonlands creatures

Stewards of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve checked in on the status of its most vulnerable residents at their last meeting. Debra Scott, who is the environmental project manager for Travis County, filled in members of the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan…

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Rules on firefighters’ pension fund are likely to change

At last week’s meeting of City Council’s Audit and Finance Committee, chair Alison Alter thanked city staff for their work over the past several years to ensure a sound pension system for all three sets of city retirees – police,…

UT pledges $13.5 million to cover I-35 from Dean Keeton to 15th Street

The University of Texas is making a $13.5 million down payment to cover Interstate 35 from 15th Street to Dean Keeton, a feat that will be made possible by a state project to widen and lower the highway through Central Austin.…

Featured Data

Supported by: Austin Community Foundation

Featured Data: Austin Police Department’s 148th cadet class

This data graphic first appeared in the story APD Training Academy audit shows improvement – but not enough to curb attrition on October 19, 2023 by Emma Freer.  Graphic credit: Kroll Audit of APD Training Academy – 148th Cadet Class

Landmark Commission greenlights demolition for former Mary Lee School campus

A former special education facility for mentally disabled girls may soon be slated for demolition and redevelopment after the plans earned the Historic Landmark Commission’s seal of approval last Monday. The seven-building campus that was once home to the Mary…

EDC seeks financial consultants to kickstart deal-making using city assets

With the Austin Economic Development Corporation still lacking control over substantial revenue-producing city assets, the organization has issued a request for proposals for consultants to advise on how to start putting its bonding authority and other financial tools to use.…

Changes to the city’s Corridor Program raise ‘serious transparency concerns’ for transportation commissioners

A massive shortfall in the city’s Corridor Program has caused work to be paused or cut back in some areas of the city. At their most recent meeting, Urban Transportation commissioners questioned the lack of public engagement on the changes.…

Texas Music Museum seeks city assistance in finding new home

The city may soon explore assistance for the nonprofit Texas Music Museum in East Austin, including finding a new location for the facility that is in danger of losing its East 11th Street home. On Monday, the Music Commission heard…

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Nonprofit spotlight: Four questions for American Gateways

American Gateways ensures access to the justice system for low-income immigrants. We serve 23 counties in Central Texas and provide high-quality legal representation and accurate information about what is happening in our immigration system. What is the mission of American…